New Delhi, Jan. 15 -- The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday issued draft guidelines that require all higher educational institutions (HEIs) to establish a dedicated "mental health and well-being centre" and a "mental health and well-being monitoring committee". The rules make institutional mental health support compulsory across campuses. HEIs must also appoint one mental health professional for every 100 students and operate a 24x7 helpline for student grievances and psychosocial concerns, linked to established national mental health helplines.

The guidelines, prepared following the Supreme Court judgement in Sukdeb Saha versus State of Andhra Pradesh (2025), form the 'Uniform Policy on Mental Health and Well-Being for Hig...