Page 1 - Guidelines for Training/ Orientation of Faculty on IKS

University Grants Commission

Guidelines for Promotion of Physical Fitness, Sports,
Students' Health, Welfare, Psychological and Emotional Well-
Being at Higher Educational Institutions of India

Background

Higher education is a key pathway for social transformation and mobility along with
the upliftment of individuals, households, and communities. Considering its
importance, NEP-2020 addresses this issue. It provides that to ensure the students'
physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, support centers and career
counselors are to be made available for all students in higher educational institutions
(HEIs).

The key challenge lies in creating institutionalized provisions and practices and
standard operating procedures that can ensure comprehensive protection to students
from any threat and assault, physical, social, discriminatory, cultural, and linguistic
causing psychological distress among students. The responsibility of HEIs is to provide
complete protection to ensure the well-being of students to work and study in a
friendly environment.

The UGC has already issued guidelines for physical safety, like fortifying the campuses,
hostels, playgrounds, cafeteria, library, and other student activity spaces. Security
personnel or technological devices must handle the entry points to provide access to
only authorized and bonafide students (details can be seen on www.ugc.ac.in).

To comprehensively examine all issues relating to students' mental health and physical,
psychological, and emotional well-being on the campuses of higher education
institutions and frame the appropriate guidelines, the Commission constituted an
Expert Committee. The Committee has suggested the following Guidelines, which are
to be implemented by all HEIs under the purview of UGC.

Objectives

To ensure equitable access to quality mental health services to all the students enrolled
in HEIs with special emphasis on (1) promoting physical fitness and sports activities
for students (2) creating safeguards against academic pressure, peer pressure,
behavioral issues, stress, career concerns, depression and other issues on the mental
health of students; (3) to teach positive thinking & emotions in the student community
and (4) to promote a positive and supportive network for students.

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