In a move aimed at fostering an inclusive and student-friendly educational ecosystem, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a significant letter dated June 5, 2025, urging all higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country to enhance awareness and accessibility of essential services for students. This initiative aligns closely with the values enshrined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes equitable access to quality education and support systems for all learners.
The Need for Accessible Essential Services in Higher Education
As higher education institutions become more diverse and inclusive, it is imperative that students—regardless of their background—have easy access to essential services such as health care, mental wellness support, financial assistance, academic counseling, legal aid, and career guidance. Unfortunately, many students, especially those from marginalized or economically weaker sections, remain unaware of available resources, or find it difficult to navigate institutional systems to benefit from them.
The UGC’s directive is a timely intervention that not only seeks to fill this information gap but also to create a supportive, responsive, and student-centric learning environment.
Key Recommendations from the UGC Letter
The letter highlights several actionable steps for institutions to take in order to improve student access to critical services:
Awareness Campaigns:
HEIs are advised to conduct regular awareness programs, both online and offline, to inform students about the various services and schemes available to them. This includes UGC and government-run scholarship schemes, mental health services, and skill development opportunities.
Dedicated Help Desks and Nodal Officer
Institutions are encouraged to set up dedicated help desks or appoint nodal officers who can guide students on how to avail themselves of services such as:
Financial aid and fee waivers
Grievance redressal mechanisms
Health insurance and campus medical facilities
Counseling and mental health support
Career counseling and placement services
Digital Accessibility:
Recognizing the increasing importance of digital engagement, UGC has urged HEIs to digitally integrate information about these services through their official websites and mobile apps. Institutions should ensure that students can easily access all relevant information in one place, ideally in regional languages as well.
Inclusion and Equity:
The directive places special emphasis on ensuring that services are made inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities, those from tribal and rural areas, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Monitoring and Feedback:
UGC has recommended that institutions develop mechanisms for feedback and continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of these services. This would help in identifying gaps and improving delivery systems.