ITANAGAR, Mar 21: The All Arunachal Pradesh Psychological Association (AAPPA) has submitted a memorandum to the Education Minister, urging the introduction of Psychology as a major subject in educational institutions across the state. The request highlights the critical need for psychology programs at the Senior Secondary level, Colleges, and Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat, to enhance mental health awareness, create employment opportunities, and bridge the gap in higher education.
Established in 2020, AAPPA has been actively involved in mental health awareness, outreach programs, and student counseling initiatives such as suicide prevention and exam stress management. Despite the growing demand for psychology education, the subject remains absent from undergraduate courses in the state, forcing students to seek degrees outside Arunachal Pradesh.
The memorandum underscores that while Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) introduced a Master’s program in Psychology in 2017, with over 150 postgraduates and several NET/JRF qualifiers, affiliated colleges still lack undergraduate psychology programs. The absence of formal psychology education puts students at a disadvantage in competitive exams like the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), where Psychology is an optional subject.
AAPPA also highlighted national policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, and the Manodarpan Program, which emphasize the importance of mental health services in education. Furthermore, institutions like the University Grants Commission (UGC), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) recognize psychology as a crucial subject, yet students in Arunachal Pradesh lack access to formal education in this field.
The memorandum lists key demands, including:
- Introduction of Psychology Departments in colleges affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University, especially in Dera Natung Government College (Itanagar), Jawaharlal Nehru College (Pasighat), and Doimukh Government College.
- Establishment of a Psychology Department at Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat.
- Recruitment of faculty positions (Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors) to ensure the proper functioning of these departments.
AAPPA emphasized that introducing psychology courses would not only provide affordable higher education opportunities but also create employment for trained professionals in various sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, sports, and disaster management.
The memorandum, signed by AAPPA Chairperson Dr. Leeyir Ete and Education Secretary Dr. Tuyir Riba, appeals to the Education Minister to take immediate steps in implementing these reforms. The association expressed confidence that under the Minister’s leadership, Arunachal Pradesh will soon witness a significant transformation in psychology education, benefiting students, professionals, and the broader community.
