Haryana Institute of Public Administration Readies Training Module for Student Mental Health
The Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) in Gurgaon is gearing up to introduce a comprehensive training module. This initiative aims to assist colleges and universities across the state in identifying student distress at an early stage. It will also provide a standardized method for responding to crises and fostering emotionally safer campuses. The primary goal is to prevent suicides among students in higher education institutions.
Bridging the Gap Between Guidelines and Implementation
HIPA officials stated that this new program is designed to close the existing gap between established guidelines and their practical application on the ground. The module will equip educational institutions with uniform tools, clear procedures, and consistent training standards. These resources are intended to bolster student wellbeing effectively.
The training will concentrate on three key areas: preventive, promotive, and responsive mental health measures. Specific components include a framework for the early detection of distress, standardized protocols for managing crises, guidelines for sensitizing faculty members, and actionable plans at the institutional level.
Development Through Expert Collaboration
The plan took shape during a pioneering workshop that brought together six subject matter experts and twenty-five principals and faculty members from various colleges and universities in Haryana. Notable experts involved in the deliberations included Dr. Nand Kumar from AIIMS and Professor Vikas from NIT Kurukshetra.
Discussions were firmly anchored in directives from the Supreme Court, the National Task Force (NTF), and advisories issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A strong emphasis was placed on developing preventive and promotive strategies driven by the institutions themselves.
Addressing National Concerns Over Student Wellbeing
The seminar was convened against a backdrop of growing national concern. Rising psychological stress, increasing academic pressure, and a troubling number of suicide incidents among students have prompted urgent action. With the Supreme Court, NTF, and UGC all issuing directives to strengthen mental health systems in educational institutions, the workshop focused on creating a practical and scalable model for Haryana's higher education sector.
Participants engaged in rigorous brainstorming and highly interactive sessions. These discussions spanned academic, psychological, administrative, and policy-level interventions. The core of the conversations revolved around strengthening institutional mechanisms for early identification of at-risk students, providing timely support, and ensuring an effective crisis response. A parallel goal is to promote a pervasive culture of care and wellbeing on campuses.
Finalizing the Module for Statewide Rollout
Based on the expert inputs, structured group discussions, and consensus-building exercises, a draft training module has been developed. HIPA confirmed that this draft is now in its final stage of consolidation.
The institute announced that the final module, along with detailed implementation strategies, institutional action plans, and mechanisms for rolling out the training, will be released shortly. The launch will be conducted by the Director-General of HIPA in collaboration with the state's Higher Education Department.
