Policy

	SHRI SHIVAJI MARATHA SOCIETY’S COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE 74/1A, 74/1B, Aranyeshwar, Parvati, Pune – 09. Tel : 020 24222771, Mobile : 7028976871Website : www.ssmscoa.org   Email: ssmscoa@gmail.com
INSTITUTE CODE : MH91,                  DTE CODE : 6896 AFFILIATED TO SAVITRIBAI PHULE PUNE UNIVERSITY, ID. NO. PU/PN/ARCH./475/2016

POLICY FOR PROMOTION OF MENTAL HEALTH & PREVENTION OF SUICIDE

 Policy Title

Mental Health and Well-Being

Committee Policy

Purpose of the Policy

The Mental Health and Well-Being Committee (MHWC) is established to promote, safeguard, and enhance the mental health and psychological well-being of students, faculty, and staff of the undergraduate college. This policy seeks to foster a supportive, inclusive, and stigma-free campus environment that encourages early help-seeking behavior and strengthens emotional resilience among all members of the institution.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All undergraduate students
• Teaching faculty
• Non-teaching staff
• Contractual and support staff

Objectives of the Committee

The Mental Health and Well-Being Committee shall aim to:

• Promote awareness of mental health and emotional well-being across the campus
• Ensure access to psychological support services and appropriate referral mechanisms
• Identify students who may be at risk and facilitate timely early intervention
• Reduce stigma and foster open dialogue around mental health concerns
• Strengthen coping strategies, resilience, and essential life skills among students
• Align institutional policies and practices with national mental health guidelines and frameworks

Constitution of the Committee

The committee shall consist of the following members:

Chairperson

• Prof.Dr. Bajarang Hanumant Sutar (Principal)

Members

• Convener / Nodal Officer – Ar. Sneha Praveen Dilwale
• IQAC Officer – Ar. Sucheta Suhas  Jawalkar
• Faculty Representative – Ar. Nikhil Rajendra Gadave
• Psychologist – Dr.Nitin Narayan Pawar (Pawar Hospital, Pune)
• Administrative Staff Representative – Mrs.Kanchan Sachin Deshmukh

The committee shall be reconstituted every two academic years or as deemed necessary.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Mental Health and Well-Being Committee shall:

• Organize mental health awareness programs, workshops, and seminars for students and staff
• Provide counseling services and establish a structured referral system for professional psychological support
• Address stress related to academics, examinations, career planning, and personal challenges
• Develop and implement protocols for crisis management, including suicide prevention and emergency response
• Coordinate with parents or guardians when required, while strictly maintaining confidentiality and ethical practices
• Display and disseminate information on helplines, counseling services, and emergency contact details across the campus
• Maintain accurate records of activities and interventions, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards.

·

Confidentiality and Ethical Considerations

• All counseling interactions shall be treated as strictly confidential
• Information shall be shared only on a need-to-know basis or in case of serious risk to life
• The committee shall follow ethical guidelines and professional standards in mental health care

·

Student Support and Accessibility

• Students may approach the committee voluntarily or be referred by faculty
• Online and offline modes of support shall be provided wherever possible
• Special attention shall be given to vulnerable groups, including first-year students, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities

Awareness and Capacity Building

The committee shall:

• Conduct orientation programs for first-year students
• Train faculty and staff to identify early signs of distress
• Promote peer support initiatives
• Observe relevant days such as World Mental Health Day

Monitoring and Review

• The committee shall meet at least twice in an academic year
• An annual report of activities shall be submitted to the IQAC by the Convener
• The policy shall be reviewed periodically and updated as required

Compliance

This policy is framed in accordance with UGC guidelines, NAAC quality indicators, and national mental health initiatives. All stakeholders are expected to cooperate in its effective implementation.

Approval Details

Approved by:
Principal / Governing Body

Effective From:  1^st June, 2025
(As applicable)

Review Cycle:
Every 1 year

You can also each out if you are concerned about a friend, peer ,or classmate.

📞 Important Helpline Numbers (India)

Category	Helpline Name	Number	Purpose
Emergency	Emergency Response System (आपत्कालीन नंबर )	112	Police, Fire, Ambulance (पोलिस, अग्निशमन, अॅम्ब्युलन्स )
Mental Health	Tele-MANAS (टेली-मानस)	14416 / 1800-891-4416	Mental health support (मानसिक स्वास्थ्य सहाय्य )
Mental Health	Manodarpan (मनोदर्पण)	8448440632	Emotional support for students (विद्यार्थ्यांसाठी भावनिक सहाय्य )
Protection	Women Helpline (महिला हेल्पलाइन)	181	Emergency support for women
Protection	National Commission for Women (राष्ट्रीय महिला आयोग)	78271-70170	Grievance redressal & tracking
Protection	Anti-Ragging Helpline (अँटी-रॅगिंग)	1800-180-5522	Report ragging / harassment
Protection	Cyber Crime Reporting (सायबर अपराध रिपोर्टिंग)	155260 / 1930	Online abuse, fraud, harassment
Legal / Rights	SC/ST Atrocities Prevention (एससी/एसटी अत्याचार निवारण)	14566	Report caste-based discrimination
Legal / Rights	Disability Info Helpline (दिव्यांग सूचना हेल्पलाइन)	14456	Support for persons with disabilities
Legal / Rights	Legal Aid Helpline (कायदा सहाय्य हेल्पलाइन)	15100	Free legal help for vulnerable groups
Principal SSMSCOA	प्राचार्य संपर्क	98225 47748/ 73879 16896	Report to the Principal /Director