PANAJI
Shaken by the deaths of six students at the BITS Pilani campus in Vasco over the last one year and two months, the Goa government has moved decisively to address the growing mental health crisis among students by rolling out a Uniform Mental Health Policy for Higher Education Institutions. The policy applies to universities, government colleges, and private institutions across the State and makes mental well-being a legal and institutional responsibility, not a choice.
The policy comes amid rising concerns over academic pressure, social isolation, socio-economic stress, parental expectations, and transition-related anxieties, which officials say are pushing students into stress, depression, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, self-harm. The government has made it clear that failure to comply will be treated as “institutional culpability” and may attract legal and regulatory consequences.
A senior officer from the Directorate of Higher Education said the policy aims to build campuses where students feel supported, not pressured. “We cannot expect students to openly say they are depressed or stressed. Parents and teachers must understand the signs through behaviour, performance, and daily interactions. Institutions must have preventive mechanisms for timely intervention,” the officer said.
The government has made it clear: student mental health is no longer optional – it is a responsibility backed by law.
Key directives of the Uniform Mental Health Policy
End academic segregation and public shaming
The government has strictly directed institutions to stop segregating students into batches based on academic performance, a practice it says has caused humiliation and trauma among students.
Institutions have been warned against any form of public shaming, ranking-based discrimination, or practices that label students as “weak” or “poor performers”.
Officials said parental complaints revealed that such segregation creates fear of peer judgment and long-term psychological harm.
Colleges must periodically review examination and evaluation patterns to reduce academic burden.
Institutions have been asked to promote a broader student identity beyond marks, ranks, and placements.
Mandatory establishment of Students’ Wellness Centres
Every higher education institution must establish SWC to address emotional, psychological, and mental health concerns. Must comprise of a senior academic head (minimum rank of Associate Professor) from disciplines such as Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work, Sociology, or Physical Education, at least one full-time, professionally trained counsellor or psychologist and should have access online counselling, in-person sessions, helplines, and group therapy, with strict confidentiality.
SWCs must collaborate with psychiatrists and medical institutions in nearby areas. At least two consultative meetings every academic year must be held with Student Council representatives, Parents and Teachers Associations, Mental health NGOs, Medical and mental health experts.
SWCs are tasked with ensuring zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, ragging, bullying, caste or gender discrimination, a robust, confidential, and accessible complaint mechanism; Immediate redressal and psychosocial support for victims and protection against harassment based on caste, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or ethnicity.
The policy will be reviewed every five years.
Non-compliance will be treated as institutional failure, attracting legal and regulatory action.
Mental health is no longer advisory but a mandatory governance issue for educational institutions.
It also makes parents accountable and asks to avoid excessive academic pressure.
Mandatory mental health training
Teaching and non-teaching staff must undergo mandatory training at least twice a year. Training will be conducted by certified mental health professionals and include psychological first aid, identifying warning signs, responding to self-harm risks and referral procedures
Mental health education for students
Mental health literacy, emotional regulation, life skills, and awareness of support systems must be included in student orientation programmes, co-curricular and campus activities.
Counsellor staffing norms
Institutions with 100 or more students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist, or social worker. Institutions must ensure safe student-to-counsellor ratios for effective intervention.
Parental accountability
Parents have been made active stakeholders in student mental health. They are directed to: Respect dignity and privacy, recognising that students are young adults.
Avoid excessive academic pressure, focusing on learning and effort rather than marks.
Respect independence and boundaries, allowing students to make personal and career choices.
Normalise conversations about stress and failure.
Watch for warning signs such as withdrawal, mood swings, sleep issues, or loss of interest.
Stay connected without controlling, showing care rather than surveillance.
Faculty and staff responsibilities
Staff have been directed to:
Model healthy behaviour and balanced lifestyles.
Listen actively and empathetically, without rushing to judge or solve.
Notice early warning signs and approach students privately and sensitively.
Maintain confidentiality, while understanding the duty of care.
Create inclusive and safe spaces, respecting diversity.
Encourage help-seeking behaviour among students and colleagues.
