AN ANALYSIS OF LEGAL PROVISIONS AND REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN ENSURING STUDENT WELL-BEING AND MENTAL WELL BEING

AUTHOR – DIYA MARIAM GEORGE, STUDENT AT CHRIST DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – DIYA MARIAM GEORGE, AN ANALYSIS OF LEGAL PROVISIONS AND REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN ENSURING STUDENT WELL-BEING AND MENTAL WELL BEING, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (1) OF 2024, PG. 324-329, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Student well-being, encompassing both physical and mental health, has emerged as a critical concern in India. The immense pressure to excel academically, coupled with a social stigma surrounding mental health, has resulted in alarming student suicide rates. This paper analyses the existing legal provisions and regulatory mechanisms in place to ensure student well-being and mental health in India. It examines key legislation like the Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009, the Mental Healthcare Act (MHA) 2017, and guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The paper then identifies gaps in implementation, such as a lack of qualified mental health professionals in educational institutions and limited awareness about mental health resources. Finally, it proposes recommendations for strengthening the legal framework and suggests practical strategies for promoting student well-being, including mandatory mental health education, increased counsellor-to-student ratios, and anti-discrimination policies.

Keywords – Mental health legislations, stigma, depression, India, suicide rates