 Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 3: Reinforcing its commitment to promoting mental health and emotional well-being on campus, the University of Jammu today inaugurated the University Counselling Services Unit. The Unit was inaugurated by Dr. Sunita Siwach, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC), in the presence of Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development, Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, senior functionaries of the University, faculty members, officers, staff and students. The inaugural ceremony was organised at the TBS Convention Centre.
Congratulating the University for establishing the Counselling Services Unit, Dr. Sunita Siwach described mental health and well-being as a national priority in higher education and said that the UGC’s initiative extends beyond addressing students’ concerns to promoting the well-being of the entire academic community, including faculty members, non-teaching staff and parents. She informed that the Commission is further strengthening the framework by establishing dedicated Mental Health and Well-being Centres in Higher Educational Institutions, supported by multidisciplinary committees and trained mental health professionals. Stressing the need for a scientific and professional approach, she said mental health support must be delivered by qualified professionals, with equal emphasis on prevention through awareness, sensitisation and early intervention.
Highlighting the comprehensive framework envisaged by the UGC, Dr. Siwach said institutions would undertake regular screening, timely referrals to specialised healthcare facilities, continuous follow-up of cases and active engagement with parents wherever required. She informed that Higher Educational Institutions would document awareness campaigns, orientation programmes and counselling initiatives through the MANAS Setu Portal, facilitating periodic monitoring and annual reporting in accordance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Ministry of Education.
Appreciating the proactive efforts of the University of Jammu, she expressed confidence that the institution would emerge as a model for promoting mental health and emotional well-being on campus and remarked that she looked forward to returning to the University not as a Chief Guest but as a member of the University family. |
