UGC Joint Secretary inaugurates University Counselling Services Unit at University of Jammu

JAMMU: 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.

In his Presidential Address, Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, expressed gratitude to Dr. Sunita Siwach and Counsellor Ms. Shweta Jain for their support in taking the University's counselling initiative forward. He said that the establishment of the University Counselling Services Unit reflects the University's commitment to implementing the UGC guidelines on mental health and well-being. While appreciating the intent behind these national initiatives, he observed that State Universities often face significant financial constraints in translating such guidelines into practice and expressed hope that the Government of India and the University Grants Commission  would extend dedicated financial support for strengthening student welfare initiatives.

Emphasising the larger social responsibility of educational institutions, Prof. Rai observed that changing family structures, increasing mental health concerns among youth, substance abuse and narco-terrorism have made the availability of professionally trained counsellors more important than ever.

He announced that the University would prioritise strengthening the Department of Psychology, facilitate the training of counsellors and support research-based interventions, including surveys and scientific studies, to address these emerging challenges. Calling upon faculty members, officers, non-teaching staff and students to actively contribute to this mission, he reaffirmed the University's resolve to build a compassionate, inclusive and mentally healthy campus while serving the larger interests of society.

Earlier, Ms. Shweta Jain, Counsellor, University Health Centre, presented the vision, objectives and services of the newly established University Counselling Services Unit. She described the Unit as a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space where students, research scholars, faculty members and non-teaching staff can seek professional support without fear of stigma.

Stressing that mental health is as important as academic achievement, she highlighted the growing mental health challenges among young people and underscored the need for early intervention, awareness and scientifically guided counselling by trained mental health professionals. She informed that the Unit will provide individual and group counselling, awareness and sensitisation programmes, preventive outreach, crisis intervention and referral services with the objective of creating a campus culture where seeking help is regarded as a sign of strength and emotional well-being becomes an integral part of academic excellence.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Mansi Mantoo, Media Officer, University of Jammu. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks. The inaugural function was attended by Deans, Directors, Rectors, Heads of teaching departments, officers, office bearers of various University associations, staff, scholars and students.