UGC New Rules and Mental Health: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made new rules with the aim of preventing caste discrimination in colleges and universities. According to these rules, an equity committee will have to be formed in every university and college, which will listen to the complaints of SC, ST and OBC students and resolve them. Caste discrimination has been clearly defined in the new rules. Direct, indirect or derogatory behavior against SC, ST and OBC students will be considered discrimination. Complaints about such cases can be made to the Equity Committee and strict action will be taken against the guilty students. After these rules came to light, people of general category are protesting across the country.

Even on social media, general category students are protesting for the withdrawal of these rules and demonstrations are also taking place in many cities. General category students fear that the new rules may be misused to trap them, which may spoil their career. Many students believe that these rules are against the spirit of equal opportunity in higher education and can increase discrimination instead of reducing it. Many students are expressing their concerns on different platforms. Amidst the ongoing controversy regarding these rules, the question is also arising whether these rules can have a negative impact on the mental health of the students? about this We will know from Dr. Prerna Kukreti, Professor and Psychiatrist of Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, when the mental health of students can deteriorate and how to avoid it.

What is the expert’s opinion on mental health?

Dr. Prerna Kukreti said that when there is any kind of fear in the minds of students, it will affect their mental health. Whenever someone is afraid, problems like stress, anxiety and nervousness start increasing. In the long term, these problems can cause many serious mental health problems including depression. In such a situation, students will keep themselves reserved and form defensive relations with their classmates. This can change the atmosphere of the entire class room and affect the mental health of all the students. This can have a negative impact on their learning and growth. Students can do better only when they study in a good environment and there is no fear in their mind.

How can students avoid mental problems?

Psychiatrist told that to keep their mental health good, students will have to remove all kinds of doubts and fears from their mind. Any kind of rumors have to be avoided. This can reduce their stress level and anxiety. Nowadays, social media is also proving to be quite harmful for the mental health of students. Students will have to concentrate on their studies and stay away from social media. If there is any doubt, you should talk to your parents or friends about it. If the problem is severe, then the help of medical professionals can also be taken in this condition. In such cases, mental problems can be relieved through cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling and medicines.