Rising student deaths call for mental health counsellors in Odisha universities

Mental distress is rapidly engulfing university students across Odisha, pushing many towards extreme decisions. The severity of the issue is reflected in official data: 22 students have died by suicide in different educational institutions over the past 15 months, as stated in the Odisha Assembly. This alarming trend has amplified concerns over the absence of qualified mental health counsellors in most institutions.

Student Deaths Spark Questions on Campus Mental Health

Instances of student suicides, particularly at KIIT University where three students have died within a year have prompted serious questions about the effectiveness of mental health support systems on campuses. While the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) mandates mental health counsellors in higher educational institutions, the availability of such professionals remains largely unknown across Odisha’s 13 state-run, eight private and three deemed universities, except Utkal University.

UGC Norms Not Being Followed

UGC guidelines recommend one professional mental health counsellor or psychologist for every 100 students to ensure continuous mental well-being support. However, institutions have merely displayed the guidelines on websites or campus noticeboards, with no clarity on how many counsellors exist or what interventions are being provided.

Utkal University: A Rare Example

Utkal University has appointed a psychologist after NEP implementation. The counsellor conducts classroom sessions to reduce academic stress and address social behaviour, relationship issues, and family-related problems. Students and professors, including Prof Jagneshwar Dandapat and Jasmeet Kaur, acknowledge the urgent need for such systems to manage rising anger, stress, and emotional imbalance among youth.

Also Read: Third death in a year: Student bodies accuse KIIT University of ignoring mental health, safety

Voices From Campuses

Students like Akanksha and Gyanaban Ray stressed that the growing pressure and emotional instability among peers require immediate and structured counselling support.

“We are witnessing students taking their own lives, and it is deeply worrying. Their academic performance is declining because they are emotionally burdened and making wrong decisions under stress. If every college and university had a mental health counsellor, they will be able to talk. Whatever their issues, they would not have to suffer alone,” said teacher Jagruti Kar.

Need for Immediate Action

NEP-2020 instructs universities to ensure the appointment of mental health counsellors, but its implementation remains questionable. As suicides rise and concerns deepen, it is imperative for Odisha’s educational institutions to urgently strengthen mental health infrastructure.

With student suicides increasing at an alarming rate, mental health support is no longer optional but essential. Institutions must prioritise counsellor appointments and proactive interventions to safeguard the emotional well-being of thousands of young learners across the state.