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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
PU's mental health crisis: One counsellor for 16,000 students
Chandigarh: The Supreme Court has delivered a sobering reminder to the nation: the rising tide of student suicides is not just a statistic — it's a reflection of a deeper, systemic failure. With over 13,000 student suicides reported in 2022 alone, and more than 2,200 linked directly to exam failures, the apex court has made it clear that educational institutions must urgently step up to support the mental well-being of their students. At Panjab University (PU), the reality is stark. Despite being home to over 16,000 students, the university has just one part-time mental health counsellor. Of the two sanctioned posts, one remained vacant for half a year and was only filled this Jan. The absence of a robust support system—dedicated wellness cells, professional mental health staff, and visible helpline information—paints a troubling picture. A few posters tucked away in hostel corridors are the only quiet reminders of a crisis that demands louder attention. This stands in contrast to repeated advisories from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which call for Student Wellness Centres, trained clinical psychologists, and peer-led support systems to make mental health care accessible and stigma-free. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Passive Income Ideas Sitting at Home Mone Undo Inside a modest room on the ground floor of PU's Student Centre, clinical psychologist Pulkita has been quietly holding space for students in distress. Since January, she has conducted 131 sessions, , each lasting between 45 minutes to an hour, with some even stretching to 90 minutes. "Most students come in overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling stuck," she shares. "Many don't even realize they're experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The pressure starts long before they enter university." Even during exams, the flow of students didn't slow. "I expected fewer sessions, but the opposite happened. Many were physically exhausted, unable to sleep or eat, teetering on the edge," she recalls. The tragic suicide of PU student Aditya Thakur on April 28 was a turning point. "After his death, students came in waves. Some knew him, others didn't. But his passing unearthed buried grief. It became a mirror for their own pain." To reach more students, Pulkita has begun informal hostel visits and created a WhatsApp group with 374 students to share mental health resources. From August, she plans to systematically cover each hostel. Meanwhile, students themselves have taken initiative, launching an Instagram page—PU Mental Health Club—to foster peer support and openness. Yet, the university has not advertised for the second counsellor post. "We had planned to do so in March, but administrative delays held us back," said Professor Amit Chauhan, Dean, Student Welfare. "We're now in the process of issuing the advertisement." A senior PU official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the challenge of attracting qualified professionals. "The honorarium is just ₹20,000 a month for part-time counsellors. That's far below what they earn in private practice or even schools. We need to rethink the structure if we want lasting, meaningful mental health support." Gaping holes in colleges too Government and private colleges in the city have no exclusive counsellors. Institutions said they rely on psychology department teachers when students are in distress. But students say that's not enough. "How do you talk about your personal trauma to someone who teaches you or grades you?" said Harleen Kaur, a third-year student at a government college. "It's not just awkward, it's unsafe." What the UT dept says Director, higher education, Rubinderjit Singh Brar, said the department is willing to explore setting up counselling centres in colleges. "There are hospitals with expert psychologists and psychiatrists. If needed, we can refer students to them," he said. "As for dedicated centres, it will need creation of posts and permissions, but we can work on the modalities." Numbers say it all 2 part-time mental health counsellor posts sanctioned at PU 1 currently filled (since Jan 2025) 131 counselling sessions held from Jan–May 2025 45–90 minutes: Average duration of a session 374 students in PU's informal WhatsApp support group 0 full-time professional mental health staff on PU campus 0 display boards with Tele MANAS helpline number on campus What UGC guidelines say Every college and university must set up a Student Services Centre for stress and mental health support Professionally trained counsellors must be appointed under the centre's in-charge Counselling should be offered in person, online, by phone, or in group settings A reasonable counsellor-to-student ratio must be maintained to make the system effective Support details must be clearly displayed on institute websites and admission brochures Institutes should link up with nearby hospitals and psychiatrists if needed Records of vulnerable students should be kept for timely intervention
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Himachal flash floods: Death toll rises to 5, 6 still missing as NDRF continues search; worker found alive near Dharamshala
DHARAMSHALA/KULLU: A day after flash floods wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) recovered three bodies near Dharamshala in Kangra district, taking the death toll to five. NDRF also found a missing person alive near Dharamshala during the day. There was more clarity over the number of missing persons in Dharamshala as the situation settled down in the hill state. Instead of the previous 15-20 people, an official said eight persons had gone missing from the hydel project near Dharamshala. Of them, while five have been found dead. In all, six persons are still missing — three each in Kullu and Kangra. In Sainj valley of Kullu, where three persons went missing in a flash flood on Wednesday, search operations are still on and no one has been found, confirmed an official. The deceased have been identified as Chain Singh, a resident of Doda in Jammu and Kashmir; Aditya Thakur, a resident of Chamba; Pardeep Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh; and Chandan, also a resident of Uttar Pradesh. The fifth victim, whose body was recovered on Thursday evening, is yet to be identified. Lovely, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, who ran into the nearby forest to save himself, was found alive. Three labourers are still missing. There were around 270 people, mostly labourers, in a temporary settlement set up by the management of Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project when the flash flood struck on Wednesday. According to Kangra deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, the administration evacuated majority of them on Wednesday evening. "A total of eight people were washed away in the flash flood, and one other ran into the nearby forests when the water hit the project site. Two bodies were recovered yesterday, and the NDRF has resumed the search operation for the missing people today. All the remaining labourers at the project site were evacuated immediately and taken to safer locations where all arrangements for their stay were made," said Bairwa. A search operation by the NDRF was launched in Siund area of Sainj on Thursday for the three missing persons washed away in a flash flood in the Jeeva nullah on Wednesday. The missing persons include a 14-year-old girl, a 56-year-old woman, and a 64-year-old man. Four cloudbursts and multiple flash floods struck various parts of Kullu on Wednesday, resulting in losses and roadblocks all over the district. The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued a yellow alert, predicting heavy rains at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on June 27 and 28. Up to 60L loss in Kullu Kullu deputy commissioner Torul S Ravish said initial estimates put the total loss at Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh in the district. "Losses are likely to go up as detailed estimates are awaited. We have provided immediate relief to affected people," said Ravish. She said 40-50 roads in the district were blocked on Wednesday, but most of them had now been restored, and no tourists were stranded anywhere in Kullu district. "Around 40 tourists got stranded in Bakarthach area near Manali on Wednesday. However, they had sufficient ration and were in a safe location. Due to connectivity issues, they remained stranded overnight but have all been rescued. Around 31 people, who were trekking from Hamta Pass to Chhatru, were also found safe yesterday," said the DC. Stay alert and be available 24x7 In the wake of the inclement weather, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Thursday directed deputy commissioners to remain alert and available 24x7 for the public to efficiently deal with the unfolding situation. Sukhu was reviewing the situation with the respective district administrations virtually from Shimla. He asked the DCs to conduct relief and rehabilitation operations for affected individuals on a war footing. He instructed them to identify the individuals or families, particularly migrant labourers, living close to the banks of the rivers, khads (rivulets), and nullahs and to relocate them to safer places.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Himachal flash floods toll now 5, worker found alive near Dharamshala
A day after flash floods wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) recovered three bodies near Dharamshala in Kangra district, taking the death toll to five. NDRF also found a missing person alive near Dharamshala during the day. There was more clarity over the number of missing persons in Dharamshala as the situation settled down in the hill state. Instead of the previous 15-20 people, an official said eight persons had gone missing from the hydel project near Dharamshala. Of them, while five have been found dead. In all, six persons are still missing — three each in Kullu and Kangra. In Sainj valley of Kullu, where three persons went missing in a flash flood on Wednesday, search operations are still on and no one has been found, confirmed an official. The deceased have been identified as Chain Singh, a resident of Doda in Jammu and Kashmir; Aditya Thakur, a resident of Chamba; Pardeep Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh; and Chandan, also a resident of Uttar Pradesh. The fifth victim, whose body was recovered on Thursday evening, is yet to be identified. Lovely, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, who ran into the nearby forest to save himself, was found alive. Three labourers are still missing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Zdanowek: ten wysokiej klasy aparat słuchowy zdominuje rynek w 2025 roku DRUGIE UCHO Undo There were around 270 people, mostly labourers, in a temporary settlement set up by the management of Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project when the flash flood struck on Wednesday. According to Kangra deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, the administration evacuated majority of them on Wednesday evening. "A total of eight people were washed away in the flash flood, and one other ran into the nearby forests when the water hit the project site. Two bodies were recovered yesterday, and the NDRF has resumed the search operation for the missing people today. All the remaining labourers at the project site were evacuated immediately and taken to safer locations where all arrangements for their stay were made," said Bairwa. A search operation by the NDRF was launched in Siund area of Sainj on Thursday for the three missing persons washed away in a flash flood in the Jeeva nullah on Wednesday. The missing persons include a 14-year-old girl, a 56-year-old woman, and a 64-year-old man. Four cloudbursts and multiple flash floods struck various parts of Kullu on Wednesday, resulting in losses and roadblocks all over the district. The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued a yellow alert, predicting heavy rains at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh on June 27 and 28. BOXES Up to 60L loss in Kullu Kullu deputy commissioner Torul S Ravish said initial estimates put the total loss at Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh in the district. "Losses are likely to go up as detailed estimates are awaited. We have provided immediate relief to affected people," said Ravish. She said 40-50 roads in the district were blocked on Wednesday, but most of them had now been restored, and no tourists were stranded anywhere in Kullu district. "Around 40 tourists got stranded in Bakarthach area near Manali on Wednesday. However, they had sufficient ration and were in a safe location. Due to connectivity issues, they remained stranded overnight but have all been rescued. Around 31 people, who were trekking from Hamta Pass to Chhatru, were also found safe yesterday," said the DC. MSID:: 122093887 413 |
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: PU puts a ban on Holi celebrations at Student Centre
Panjab University (PU) has decided to ban Holi celebrations at the Student Centre from the upcoming academic session (2025-26). This comes in the backdrop of a student, Aditya Thakur's murder during a fest and reports of rowdy behaviour during Holi celebrations earlier this year. A committee, headed by Nandita Singh which is looking after the functioning of the dean student welfare (DSW) office, has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organising events on campus. The panel was formed after the DSW was asked to step down temporarily amid inquiry into Thakur's murder on March 28. As per the SOPs, Holi celebrations are banned at the Student Centre on the day of Holi and the day prior to it. Celebrations will, however, be allowed in departments a day prior to the festival with permission from the chairperson and the dean of university instructions (DUI). Outsiders will strictly not be allowed. The SOPs also mention that DJ systems will not be allowed for general events at Student Centre anymore. The decision has been taken in view of the events in March when DJ systems allegedly breached the permissible sound levels. Vice-chancellor Renu Vig has confirmed that she has approved the committee's SOPs and forwarded them for implementation. Star nights banned too The SOPs have also officially confirmed that star nights on campus are now a thing of the past. PU vice-chancellor had already announced this in the aftermath of Aditya Thakur's murder. The annual Vimarsh fest will now have debates on contemporary issues while Scitron fest will have a science exhibition. These will both be organised in February. While it was learned that PUCSC members were spending as much as ₹25 lakh to organise such star nights, no student council member will be allowed to bring cash sponsorship to organise such exorbitantly priced events. Stalls put up during such events will also be allotted through a centralised system maintained by the DSW for transparency. A separate bank account will be maintained by the DSW for collection of sponsorship and stall rent. The account will be audited yearly. Now the vice-chancellor, the DSW and DUI can cancel any student fest if the situation is not conducive. Aditya Thakur, 22, a second-year student of computer science engineering at the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, along with three other students, was stabbed by some unidentified persons at a concert held at PU's South Campus in March this year. He succumbed to his injuries later this year. PU also had to cancel singer-rapper Arjan Dhillon's performance at the last minute due to inadequate preparation. Two Holi parties organised by Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) president Anurag Dalal had also come under the scanner as there were complaints that the DJ systems were playing above permissible limits and there was little check on entry by outsiders. Videos of outsiders scaling the PU wall during Holi celebrations had gone viral on social media. PU has not taken any action for the events that transpired on these two days even now, with some students also alleging that incidents of sexual harassment took place during the celebrations.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Time of India
PU security chief, DSW officials return; fact-finding report submitted
Chandigarh: Following an internal inquiry conducted after the murder of UIET student Aditya Thakur during a campus concert, Panjab University is set to reinstate its student welfare officials, who were relieved of duty in the aftermath, pending inquiry. The fact-finding committee, constituted by the university, has submitted its report, recommending changes to event safety, emergency preparedness, and internal coordination. Those returning include dean student welfare (DSW) Prof Amit Chauhan, DSW (Women) Prof Simrit Kahlon, Associate DSW Prof Naresh, and chief of university security Vikram Singh. While the DSW team has resumed office, Singh is expected to return after about a week — once new standard operating procedures (SOPs) on security are finalised. To bridge the gap between campus security and the student community, and to improve real-time coordination during student events, the vice-chancellor has appointed Prof Dinesh Kumar Bishnoi from the department of laws as the new faculty incharge of security. The move is aimed at ensuring that concerns related to safety, discipline, and student conduct are addressed more promptly. Aditya Thakur, a second-year engineering student, died after being stabbed during a crowded concert of Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma on March 28. The incident, involving outsiders, triggered outrage over the lack of safety measures and prompted dual inquiries—one by the university and another ordered by the deputy commissioner, led by the SDM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo According to sources, the committee also flagged the need for improved coordination among senior university officials. A university source said the panel had found signs of internal friction and advised structural clarity. Vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig said, "We are committed to doing everything necessary to improve student safety. The committee's recommendations will be implemented in full spirit. With the DSW office back in place, we can now better handle upcoming student activities like farewells and admissions, where students were facing inconvenience." The SDM-led inquiry ordered by the Deputy Commissioner on April 1 had initially been given a two-week deadline, but nearly a month later, the report is still awaited. As the university begins to act on its internal findings, focus will also remain on the outcome of the official administrative probe and whether it prompts further accountability. BOX- Recommendations The university's internal committee, headed by Prof Nandita Singh, has made wide-ranging recommendations • Mandatory ambulances with medical staff and driver at large student gatherings • A shift away from risky star nights toward promotion of student-led performances • Restrictions on public-entry events inside the campus • Clearly defined SOPs for event planning and security coordination
