<p class="title">The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities and higher education institutions across the nation to set up helpline to combat mental health issues among students during the Covid-19 crisis and nation-wide lockdown period.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In an official circular, the UGC stated that, "It is important to address psychological concerns of students and to address mental health and for the well-being of students, universities/colleges and higher education institutions should setup mental health helplines."</p>.<p class="bodytext">These helplines need to be monitored by counselors and other identified faculty members. "It is important for students to stay calm and stress-free. This can be achieved through telephones, e-mails, digital and social media platforms," says UGC.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Meanwhile, the UGC has also asked to form Covid-19 heal groups consisting of students headed by hostel wardens/senior faculties who can identify friends/classmates in need of help and provide immediate necessary help.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Universities have to share the video links of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on their respective websites, and also via e-mail, Twitter, Facebook and Whatsaap to students and staff.</p>.<p class="bodytext">These videos includes: practical tips to take care of mental health during stay in, minding our minds during the Covid-19, various health experts on how to manage mental health and well-being during Covid-19.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Universities have to submit action taken report on UGC's portal for Universities activity monitoring. Students and staff can contact: 0804 11007 psycho-social helpline.</p>
<p class="title">The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities and higher education institutions across the nation to set up helpline to combat mental health issues among students during the Covid-19 crisis and nation-wide lockdown period.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In an official circular, the UGC stated that, "It is important to address psychological concerns of students and to address mental health and for the well-being of students, universities/colleges and higher education institutions should setup mental health helplines."</p>.<p class="bodytext">These helplines need to be monitored by counselors and other identified faculty members. "It is important for students to stay calm and stress-free. This can be achieved through telephones, e-mails, digital and social media platforms," says UGC.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Meanwhile, the UGC has also asked to form Covid-19 heal groups consisting of students headed by hostel wardens/senior faculties who can identify friends/classmates in need of help and provide immediate necessary help.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Universities have to share the video links of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on their respective websites, and also via e-mail, Twitter, Facebook and Whatsaap to students and staff.</p>.<p class="bodytext">These videos includes: practical tips to take care of mental health during stay in, minding our minds during the Covid-19, various health experts on how to manage mental health and well-being during Covid-19.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Universities have to submit action taken report on UGC's portal for Universities activity monitoring. Students and staff can contact: 0804 11007 psycho-social helpline.</p>
