Haryana's Directorate of Higher Education has taken decisive action to combat a growing crisis. College students across the state are facing increasing levels of mental stress, anxiety, and depression. This alarming trend has led to higher dropout rates and, tragically, a rise in suicide cases on campuses.
A Proactive Response to a Critical Challenge
In response, the department has launched a focused training initiative. The program specifically targets government college principals. Its primary goal is to equip these educational leaders with the tools needed to support student mental wellness.
"Mental health has emerged as a critical challenge in our colleges and universities," a senior official stated. "There is an urgent need for early intervention and the creation of a supportive campus ecosystem."
First Phase: A Two-Day Intensive Workshop
The initiative kicks off with its first phase in Gurgaon. Approximately thirty principals from four districts will participate. These districts include Faridabad, Palwal, Jhajjar, and Gurgaon itself.
The workshop is scheduled for January 15th and 16th. It will be held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration, known as HIPA. Officials selected this location for its central position and established institutional facilities. This choice allows for an efficient rollout before expanding the program to other areas of the state.
Building a Network of Master Trainers
The two-day program has a clear, two-part objective. First, it aims to finalize a comprehensive training module on student mental health and suicide prevention. Second, it seeks to develop a core group of "master trainers."
These principals will not simply be passive attendees. Once trained, they will carry the knowledge back to their own institutions. Their mission will be to replicate the training program for all staff members.
- Teaching faculty will receive instruction.
- Non-teaching staff will also be included in the training.
This ensures that awareness and proper response mechanisms permeate every part of campus life—from classrooms and libraries to hostels and administrative offices.
Workshop Curriculum: Key Focus Areas
Over the course of eight sessions, participants will delve into crucial topics. The curriculum is designed to be practical and actionable.
- Early Identification: Learning to recognize signs of distress in students.
- Basic Assessment: Understanding fundamental mental health evaluation techniques.
- Referral Systems: Establishing clear pathways to professional help when needed.
- Role Clarification: Defining the responsibilities and limits of teachers and administrators.
Strengthening overall campus safety systems will be another major discussion point. A central theme will be creating an environment where students feel safe and supported enough to seek help without fear or stigma.
A Collaborative Effort for Student Wellbeing
This important initiative is a joint effort. The Higher Education Department, state universities, and HIPA are all collaborating to make it happen. The department has arranged for lodging and boarding for all participating principals at the Gurgaon campus, facilitating full engagement in the workshop.
The move underscores a significant shift in how educational challenges are being addressed in Haryana. By empowering principals first, the state aims to build a sustainable, grassroots network of support. This network will ultimately reach every student, offering a crucial lifeline in times of psychological distress and academic pressure.
