Uttar Pradesh to set up mental health support cells in all universities and colleges

Uttar Pradesh government on Monday (September 7, 2026) announced that a mental health support cell will be established in every university and college and a uniform policy for students’ mental health will be developed across higher education institutions.

“The Yogi Government has taken an important initiative regarding the mental health and well-being of students pursuing higher education in the State. With the objective of providing students with a healthy, safe, and stress-free academic environment, a uniform Student Mental Health and Well-Being Policy will be prepared for all higher education institutions in the State,” reads an official statement.

To discuss its effective implementation, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay held a high-level meeting at his residence in Lucknow on Monday (September 7), in which various aspects of the proposed policy, expansion of mental health-related facilities in institutions, and an action plan for providing timely counselling and support to students were discussed in detail.

The government statement added that emphasis is on the overall personality development of students rather than limiting higher education to degrees and employment alone. “The objective of the proposed policy is to create an academic environment where students facing academic pressure, examination anxiety, career-related stress, or emotional difficulties can receive appropriate support in a timely manner.

Under the policy, a coordinated mental health support system will be developed at the state, district, and institutional levels. This will help provide students with access to counselling and specialist services according to their needs,” added the statement.

The official statement further reads, “Under the proposed framework, the Director of Higher Education will be designated as the nodal and implementing authority at the state level. A steering committee chaired by the Principal Secretary, Higher Education, will oversee policy implementation, budget allocation, and regular review. At the district level, a committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate. This committee will coordinate with universities and colleges in the district and ensure effective monitoring and implementation of activities related to mental health and well-being. The most significant aspect of the Yogi Government’s proposed policy is the establishment of a Mental Health Support Cell in every higher education institution,”.