Mental Health Policy
Motto:- “Together for Well-being: – Strong Minds – Successful Life.”
Lala Jagat Narain Himotkarsh Govt. Girls Degree College, Kotla Khurd, Una recognizes that mental health is fundamental to academic success, personal growth and social well-being. In alignment with national frameworks and educational policies, the institution is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all students, faculty and staff.
Mental health is not merely the absence of illness but a state of well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities and contribute meaningfully to society.
Vision
To create a mentally healthy, resilient and inclusive campus that promotes emotional well-being, reduces stress and ensures timely support and intervention.
Mission
- Promote holistic development of students (academic, emotional, social)
- Provide accessible mental health services
- Build a supportive ecosystem involving students, faculty, and community
- Prevent mental health crises through early identification and intervention
Core Objectives Of the Policy
The counselling services at LJNH Govt. Girls Degree college Una are driven by a set of core objectives that shape our holistic approach: –
1. To Create a Safe and Supportive Campus Environment
The institution will foster a campus culture where students feel psychologically safe, respected and valued. This includes:
- Promoting zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and discrimination
- Ensuring inclusive practices for students from diverse backgrounds
- Creating safe physical and emotional spaces (classrooms, common areas)
2. To Promote Mental Health Awareness and Reduce Stigma
A key objective is to normalize conversations around mental health by:
- Conducting awareness campaigns, seminars and workshops
- Encouraging open dialogue and help-seeking behaviour
3. To Enable Early Identification and Intervention
As recognizing early signs of distress is critical. The institution will:
- Train faculty and peers to identify warning signs (stress, anxiety, withdrawal)
- Develop screening and referral mechanisms
- Provide timely intervention before issues escalate
4. To Build Emotional Resilience and Life Skills
The policy emphasizes strengthening students’ coping abilities by:
- Conducting training in stress management, emotional regulation and decision-making
- Promoting self-awareness, self-esteem and adaptability
- Encouraging practices like mindfulness, yoga and reflective learning
5. To Strengthen Peer and Community Support Systems
As the students often turn to peers first. Therefore, the policy aims to:
- Develop peer support groups and ambassador programs
- Encourage student-led initiatives for mental well-being
- Build a community of care and empathy
6. To Promote Healthy Lifestyle and Preventive Well-being
As mental health is closely linked to lifestyle. The institution will:
- Encourage balanced routines (sleep, diet, physical activity)
- Promote digital well-being and reduced screen dependency
- Support engagement in sports, arts and extracurricular activities
7. To Ensure Confidentiality and Ethical Mental Health Practices
As trust is central to mental health services. The policy ensures:
- Strict confidentiality of counselling records
- Ethical handling of sensitive information
- Respect for privacy and dignity of individuals
8. To Foster Institutional and External Collaboration
The college will collaborate with:
- Mental health professionals and institutions
- Government and non-government organizations
- National initiatives for student well-being
Institutional Framework for Mental Health Implementation
The Institutional Framework provides the organizational structure, roles, responsibilities and coordination mechanisms required to effectively implement and sustain the Mental Health Policy within the college. The college has established a Mental Health & Wellness Committee (MHWC) to ensure accountability, —————–coordination, and efficiency.
Mental Health & Wellness Committee (MHWC)
This is committee is responsible for overall policy implementation.
Composition
Sr. No | Name | Mobile No. | Position |
1 | Dr. Devinder Kumar | 8219595623 | Nodal Officer |
2 | Dr. Reena Devi | 9459004985 | Member |
3 | Dr. Onkar Singh |
| Member |
4 | Prof. Yash Paul | 9805757129 | Member |
5 | Prof. Mamta Kumari | 9418214668 | Member |
6 | Prof. Neena Kumari | 8580929946 | Member |
7 | Prof. Kanika Sharma | 7018899157 | Member |
8 | Prof. Madan Lal | 8437298924 | Member |
9 | Smt. Kamla Devi | 9646146576 | Member |
Functions of Mental Health & Wellness Committee (MHWC)
The MHWC shall act as the nodal body responsible for planning, implementation, monitoring and continuous strengthening of mental health and well-being initiatives in the institution.
1. Policy Implementation
The Committee shall ensure the effective execution of the Mental Health Policy across all institutional levels by:
- Translating policy provisions into actionable plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Ensuring the Implementation of UMMEED Draft Guidelines, the MANODARPPAN Initiative and National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
2. Ensuring Appointment / Engagement of Qualified Mental Health Professionals
The Mental Health & Wellness Committee shall be responsible for ensuring the availability and effective engagement of qualified mental health professionals, including a Counsellor, Psychologist or Social Worker, to provide comprehensive support services within the institution.
3. Provision of Mentor – Mentee Services
The committee shall work in coordination with Mentor- Mentee Cell of the college to counsel the students especially during examination periods and academic transitions, to provide consistent, informal and confidential support.
4. Establishment of Written Protocols for Immediate Referral and Emergency Support
The Mental Health & Wellness Committee (MHWC) shall develop and implement clear, written and actionable protocols to ensure timely referral to mental health services and local hospitals requiring urgent mental health support.
Committee shall ensure that Suicide Helpline numbers, including Tele-MANAS and other national services be prominently displayed in classrooms and common areas of the college.
5. Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Training
The committee shall ensure that all teaching and non-teaching staff undergo structured training programs on mental health awareness, psychological first-aid , early identification of warning signs, response to self-harm and referral mechanism.
These training sessions shall be conducted at least twice annually by certified mental health professionals.
6. Sensitizing Teaching, Non-Teaching and Administrative staff to engage with Students from Vulnerable and Marginalized Backgrounds
The Committee shall ensure that Teaching, Non-Teaching and Administrative staff engage with Students from Vulnerable and Marginalized Backgrounds (SC / ST / OBC / EWS categories ,LGBTQ+ community ,Students with disabilities) backgrounds in sensitive, inclusive and Nondiscriminatory manner.
7. Addressing Sexual Assault, Harassment, Ragging, and Bullying
The Committee shall work in coordination with Internal Complaints Committee and Anti-Ragging Committee to address issues related to: Sexual harassment and assault ,Ragging and bullying and discrimination based on caste, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion and ethnicity .
8. Regular Organisation of Sensitization Programmes for Students & Parents
The Committee shall organize continuous awareness and sensitization initiatives for Students regarding student mental health and well-being and for Parents/Guardians regarding supportive parenting
9. Maintenance of Annual Records and Preparation of Annual Report
The Committee shall ensure systematic documentation and accountability through:
Record Maintenance:
- Number and type of counselling cases (confidentially maintained)
- Details of workshops, seminars and activities conducted
Annual Report Preparation:
- Summary of all mental health initiatives
- Key achievements and challenges
- Recommendations for future improvement
10. Prioritization of Extracurricular Activities for Mental Well-being
The Committee shall promote balanced student development by encouraging participation in:
- Sports and physical activities
- Cultural and creative arts (music, dance, theatre, fine arts)
- Clubs and student societies
- Community engagement (NSS, outreach programs)
11. Provision of Career Counselling Services
- The Committee shall work in coordination with Career Guidance Cell in organizing career guidance sessions and mentoring programs
- Invite industry experts and alumni for interaction
- Guide students on higher education, employability and skill development