A second part-time appointment is reportedly expected soon.

Suicide Attempt at Punjab University Renews Demands for Dedicated Mental Health Counsellor

A suicide attempt by a third-year chemical engineering student residing in boys’ hostel-3 of Panjab University (PU) has put major concern about the serious shortcomings in the university’s mental-health infrastructure. The student suffered a self-inflicted wrist injury, reportedly caused by academic pressure, fear of poor placement prospects and social isolation, concerns shared by many of the students living on campus.

Currently, PU has only a single part-time counsellor to serve all its student population. A second part-time appointment is reportedly expected soon. But both students and faculty say these incremental measures are insufficient to address recurring issues such as academic stress, placement anxiety and adjustment issues, particularly acute among hostel residents. Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor of PU, acknowledged the requirement of a full-time counsellor but explained about the requirements, such as procedural compliance and external approvals, to formalise this post. She said the university could explore reallocation of an existing sanctioned vacancy (possibly in the health centre) or send a fresh proposal to the Ministry of Education.

Registrar YP Verma further gave clarification that PU’s unique governance structure, which is governed by both state and central regulations, restricts its ability to unilaterally create permanent posts. Any expansion or creation of posts must be approved by the Centre since 2017.

PUCSC President Gaurav Veer Sohal said that mental health support cannot be treated as a token gesture. “If a full-time counsellor is needed, the system must move in that direction,” he said, warning that continued dependency on part-time appointments risks treating crises as occasional incidents rather than structural failures. The recent attempt and previous tragedies like the suicide of student Aditya Thakur in April have reignited demands for permanent mental-health staff, proper wellness infrastructure and proactive support frameworks across hostels and departments.

As the number of students approaching the counselling centre for help increases, the urgency for sustainable institutional commitment becomes important. Without decisive action, critics fear that PU’s mental-health void may deepen.

Source: Times of India