Helpline launched for counselling of Odisha university students

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday launched a helpline for counselling of students of Central University of Odisha, who are in mental distress in wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Inaugurating helpline "Bharosa" through a video conference, Pokhriyal lauded initiative as it aims at providing mental and psychological assistance to students of institute. dressing mental health concern of students is of great importance and helpline, 08046801010, introduced by  university, is a good initiative, he said.

minister urged or central and state universities and institutions of higher education across  country to emulate initiative that will provide cognitive emotional rehabilitation services to students. Central University of Odisha vice chancellor Prof Ramabrahmam highlighted features of helpline that seeks to dress problems of distressed students in wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

He said "Bharosa" can dress concern of any student of any university in Odisha, and over 400 calls have been received in pilot phase of project. State Higher Education Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo appreciated efforts of university and hoped that it will help students during crisis period.

Dr Meena Hariharan, President, Association of Health Psychologists, collaborating agency with central university for initiative, congratulated authorities of institute.