PRAYAGRAJ, March 9 -- In a significant step to strengthen student mental health support, every higher education institution across Uttar Pradesh will now have one counsellor for every 100 students on campus. Under the newly introduced Mental Health Policy, the state has allocated Rs.34 crore in the budget to implement the initiative, officials from the State Higher Education Department said. In the first phase, the programme will cover 216 government-run colleges and 330 government-aided colleges, with plans to expand to unaided colleges and private universities in later phases. Counsellors will receive a fixed honorarium for their services, officials added. The initiative aligns with the Supreme Court order in Sukdev Saha vs State of Andhra Pradesh (2025), which mandates the presence of certified counsellors, psychologists, or external mental health professionals for all students. The Directorate of Higher Education has already begun preparations to ensure full compliance. BL Sharma, director of Higher Education, UP, said the policy aims to protect and promote students' mental well being while ensuring a dignified life. "Our goal is to create a stress-free, inclusive, safe, and supportive environment where every student can grow positively, become self-reliant, and reach their full potential," he stated. Officials emphasized that the appointment of counselors will not only provide immediate mental health support but also offer confidential assistance in cases of harassment, discrimination, ragging, sexual violence, and insensitive behaviour. Experts note that this comprehensive approach will foster a healthier, safer, and more empowering environment across the state's higher education institutions....