‘Happiness cell’ plan hits campus reality check

Bhopal: The state govt's plan to roll out ambitious ‘Happiness Cell' across all state-run colleges has run into sharp criticism, with students and faculty asking how such counselling units can succeed on campuses grappling with poor infrastructure and acute teacher shortages. Besies, they said over 127 out of 550 govt colleges are still operating out of rented spaces without owning land. The programme is designed to address student stress through counselling units, peer interaction and activities such as yoga. Officials have described it as a forward-looking step to strengthen emotional health alongside academics. "Happiness is the foundation of learning," an official said at a recent press conference. "These cells will empower our youth to thrive academically and emotionally."Praveen Gangrade, director of Rajya Anand Santshan, the name for MP happiness dept, said: "Happiness cell aims to teach students what inner happiness is in today's high-pressure life. It aims to graduate a generation that smiles through storms-not just survives them."But many on campuses remain unconvinced."How can a 'Happiness Cell' spark joy when we're studying in rented sheds with basic facilities are missing?" asked Prarthna Shukla, a third-year arts student at a local college. Her institution, like many others, lacks basic amenities—no library, no labs, and faculty vacancies hovering at 40%. Statewide data paints a grim picture. Official records reveal 127 government colleges—over a quarter of the total—function in temporary rented buildings, with over 25 yet to secure permanent land. Teacher shortages exacerbate the crisis: the student-teacher ratio in many institutions exceeds 50:1, far above the UGC norm of 20:1. "We're battling for basics like desks and electricity, let alone mental health support," said a senior teaching faculty without quoting his name. "Without addressing infrastructure, this is just window dressing." Student unions have also come in forward, demanding better infrastructure. "Redirect funds from fancy cells to fixing our colleges first," demanded Ravi Kumar, NSUI state vice-president. Govt officials defend the rollout, promising phased infrastructure upgrades alongside the cells. With the academic year underway, dissent grows louder. Can 'Happiness Cell' truly ignite joy in crumbling halls? For now, the answer eludes MP's frustrated campuses.