UGC releases guidelines for promotion of physical fitness, students’ health

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released guidelines for the promotion of physical fitness, sports, students' health, welfare, psychological and emotional well-being at Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) of India.

As per UGC, the challenge lies in creating institutionalised provisions and practices and standard operating procedures that can ensure comprehensive protection to students from any threat and assault, physical, social, discriminatory, cultural, and linguistic causing psychological distress among students.

Here Are The Guidelines

Students Services Centre (SSC):

Every HEI shall have a Students Services Centre (SSC) responsible for dealing with and managing the problems related to stress and emotional adjustment.

The SSC must have necessary resources like competent physical and mental health counselors, physical and mental health experts, and physical / physio-psychological assessment tools to inform the students, assess and guide them. The SSC will conduct counseling, guidance, and physical and mental health services online, in person, through a telephone helpline, or in group counseling sessions depending upon the circumstances.

Physical Fitness: HEIs must focus on physical activity for all students to help them stay physically fit and mentally healthy. It has been demonstrated that physical activity for an hour a day reduces the risk of obesity and helps to be smart, happy, and less prone to depression and other mood disorders. Indeed, vigor comes from being fit, and the challenge is to make exercise necessary and fun.

The NSS, NCC, and other avenues to engage students meaningfully should be strengthened. HEIs should regularly organise self-defence training programmes, especially for girl students.

The student hostels too should be equipped with minimum facilities for the students. HEIs should have a dedicated sports officer/physical fitness trainer/coach to manage and run physical activity programmes.

Participation and scoring in physical activity should be part of the credit system for evaluation for promotion to the next semester.

The institutions should make provisions for the organization of weekly intramural sports tournaments. Participation in these weekly tournaments should be encouraged and made lucrative with rewards and honours.

For other guidelines, visit the official UGC website or click HERE