Maharashtra Plans First Comprehensive Student Protection Policy to Tackle Bullying, Cyber Abuse and Mental Health Risks

Mumbai, 28th November 2025: Maharashtra is set to introduce an ambitious, statewide student protection policy aimed at curbing harassment, cyberbullying and rising mental-health distress across higher education institutions. The initiative, expected to be implemented soon, will be the state’s first comprehensive framework dedicated to safeguarding student dignity, psychological well-being and campus safety. Once introduced, it will apply to all universities, autonomous institutions, private colleges and affiliated campuses.

Broad Safeguards Against Campus Harassment and Online Abuse

The upcoming policy proposes a wide-ranging safety system designed to protect students from a spectrum of challenges frequently reported in higher education settings.

Key concerns addressed include:
-Ragging and all forms of physical or psychological harassment
-Cyberbullying, online impersonation and misuse of digital identities
-Deepfake and non-consensual image circulation
-Trolling and targeted abuse on social media
-Difficulties experienced by LGBTQ+ students
-Barriers faced by first-generation learners and students from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds

As part of the protection measures, every institution will be required to maintain a 24×7 toll-free helpline, along with a rapid-response mechanism to ensure timely support in crisis situations.

Mandatory Counsellors and AI-Based Early Warning Systems

Strengthening mental-health infrastructure is a central pillar of the policy. Colleges will be mandated to appoint:
-Qualified counsellors
-Mental-health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists
-Specially trained staff capable of identifying students in distress

An AI-driven monitoring system will detect early behavioural or academic changes that may signal emotional strain. Additionally, faculty members, administrative staff, hostel wardens and NCC/NSS coordinators will undergo structured training to recognize early warning signs and intervene appropriately.

The policy introduces strict cyber safety and privacy protocols. These include:
-Robust protection of counselling and health records
-Safeguards for digital learning platforms
-Clear prohibitions on online harassment, fake profiles and the unauthorized sharing of student images
-Fast-track processes for resolving cyberbullying complaints
-Access to both legal aid and psychosocial support for affected students

Suicide Prevention at the Forefront of the Framework:
Student suicides remain a significant concern in Maharashtra. NCRB’s 2023 data shows the state accounts for 14.7% of all student suicides in India, the highest nationwide.

To counter this alarming trend, the new policy places suicide prevention at its core. A state-level grievance redressal body will ensure that complaints are resolved within 30 days. Institutions found labeling or stigmatizing vulnerable students—as “weak” or “mentally unstable”—will face stern punitive action.

Focused Support for Marginalized and Vulnerable Groups
The state’s plan also includes tailored support systems for:
-LGBTQ+ students
-Learners from rural or economically weaker families
-First-generation college students
-Students with disabilities

This will involve counselling access, sensitisation drives, peer-support groups and improvements in campus infrastructure to make institutions more inclusive.

Officials believe the policy will establish a new benchmark for student safety, creating structured protections at a time when psychological stress, academic pressure and cyber-enabled threats are rapidly increasing. By combining mental-health support, digital safeguards and robust anti-harassment measures, Maharashtra aims to build campuses where students can learn without fear—and thrive with dignity.