A third-year chemical engineering student at Panjab University (PU) attempted to end his life on Friday, sending shockwaves through the campus and reigniting urgent concerns about the institution's severely strained mental health infrastructure. The incident occurred at the university's boys' hostel number three, where the undergraduate student slit his wrist.
Immediate Response and Student's Anxiety
Fellow residents discovered the injured student in his room and immediately alerted the authorities. He was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. At the hospital, a medico-legal examination was conducted, and the police recorded his official statement. Officials confirmed that inquest proceedings have been formally initiated in the case.
The Dean of Student Welfare personally spoke to the student on Friday evening following the traumatic episode. University officials revealed that the young man was in a state of extreme anxiety about his academic performance. An official shared, "He fears his grades may drop in the upcoming examinations and that this will severely impact his future placement opportunities." The university's counsellor has met with the student and is actively following up on his condition.
A Systemic Failure Under Scrutiny
This distressing event has once again pulled back the curtain on PU's chronic and alarming shortage of mental health support. Earlier this year, data revealed that the university's counselling centre handled over 130 sessions in just five months. This staggering demand is serviced by a mere one part-time counsellor for a student population exceeding 16,000, with no full-time mental health professional available on campus.
This setup blatantly contravenes directives from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Supreme Court, which mandate that universities maintain adequate counsellor strength and ensure round-the-clock access to psychological support. Students and faculty have consistently identified exam stress, fear of failure, and placement uncertainties as major triggers for anxiety and depression, especially among hostel residents and those in professional courses like engineering.
Long-Standing Vacancies and Token Appointments
The crisis is further compounded by systemic neglect. Although two part-time counsellor positions are officially sanctioned, one post remained vacant for months. The honorarium offered—Rs 20,000 per month—is notably lower than the notified minimum wages for several categories of skilled workers in Chandigarh, raising serious questions about the value placed on student well-being.
Student leaders have condemned the situation as a systemic failure. Karan Parmar, a student representative, stated, "One counsellor for thousands of students is simply not enough. Until PU invests in permanent posts, fair pay, and visible support systems in hostels and departments, these crises will keep recurring."
Second Counsellor Post: A Glimmer of Progress?
In a minor development, the Dean of Student Welfare confirmed that the process to fill the second sanctioned part-time counsellor post has been completed. The vacancy was advertised in October, applications were scrutinized, and interviews were recently held. The selection has been finalized, and the administrative file is moving. An appointment letter is now awaited.
Once issued, PU will have two part-time counsellors for its massive student body—a figure still woefully short of expert recommendations but representing the filling of a long-pending vacancy that officials promise will happen "very soon."
