05/01/24

To,
Shree Narender Modi Ji,
Hon.Prime Minister of India,
Prime Minister’s Office,
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi – 110011.

Sub. - Regarding the field of clinical psychology and the termination of the M.Phil. program
in clinical psychology.

This is to respectfully draw your attention to the announcement made by the UGC on
December 26, 2023, that the M.Phil program would no longer be offered at any university,
and prospective students were advised not to take admission to the said program. M.Phil in
Clinical Psychology is a professional training program as opposed to the traditional
M.Phil degree, which was a pre-research program. Niti Ayog had decided to keep the
M.Phil. degree in clinical psychology for the next six years or until the program's
structure changes according to National Educational Policy (NEP).

We wish to highlight specific facts pertaining to the current status of clinical psychologists
registered as mental health professionals in India, in accordance with the Mental Health Care
Act of 2017.

a) It is important to remember that, like many other programs, the M.Phil. in Clinical
Psychology program is governed and overseen by the Rehabilitation Council of India
(RCI), New Delhi. RCI announced on October 15, 2020 (F.No. 3-2/Cli.Psy./RCI/2019)
that the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology program will remain in place until they express
any modifications to the nomenclature, which they planned to do soon. Nevertheless, RCI
has not yet released any such correspondence to the public. On December 26, 2023, the
University Grants Commission (UGC) announced to the public that the M.Phil program
would end and did not specify the continuation of M.Phil in Clinical Psychology as a
special case. The notice was published under the number No.F.9-83/2023(PS/Misc.).
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The minutes of a meeting to determine alternatives for the current M.Phil in Clinical Psychology
program (F.No.4(6)/2021-H&FW, Dated 11th Oct 2023) were made public by NITI Aayog.
According to the minutes, the existing M.Phil. (CP) courses will run for

the next five to six years. RCI has been notified that the M.Phil. (CP) program's nomenclature will
change during this time, and other councils and/or other offices have been advised of this. In a letter
dated November 22, 2023, Dr. V.K. Paul, a member of Niti Aayog, asked the UGC chairman to
approve the smooth continuation of M.Phil (CP) for an extra eight years. Nevertheless, there seems
to be a disparity between the two documents from Niti Aayog regarding the time frame for the
continuation of the M.Phil. (CP) program. Despite this, the Aayog is actively seeking to
comprehend the obstacles and practical challenges associated with the sudden course alteration. The
UGC's announcement of the immediate termination of the M.Phil. program, despite prior
discussions and clarifications concerning M.Phil (CP), has left professionals and students in a state
of confusion and anxiety.
b) It is important to remember that the UGC awards the degree despite RCI recognizing and
regulating the course. A consensus accepted by both RCI and UGC needs to be reached.
It is imperative to advocate for the ongoing continuation of the M.Phil. (CP) program.

c) The Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) feels obligated to voice the
concerns of M.Phil. (CP) Students admitted to UGC, RCI, and other relevant bodies in
the current academic session. We urge RCI officials to promptly engage with Niti Aayog
and UGC officials to address these concerns.

d) The educational landscape is transforming with NEP 2020. The sustainability of the term
M.Phil. is questionable. We urge Niti Aayog and UGC to collaborate on revising
nomenclature, ensuring the continuation of the course until the completion of the batches
already admitted, extending at least until 2024–2025 or 2025–2026.

e) The execution of the amended clinical psychology degree course was a source of worry,
as expressed in point "d." When running two simultaneous courses in the same academic
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session—the M.Phil.(CP) and the New Clinical Psychology Degree course—clinical

psychology departments across the country should anticipate to encounter major hurdles.
In parallel with the start of a new course, the batches admitted in 2023 will continue until
2025. Faculty may have to put up with more work and receive lower-quality training as a
result, which can be detrimental to their wellbeing. University implementation of the
UGC's notification to start the new course may lead to this predicament. This issue
requires the attention of associations, legislators, and regulatory agencies.

f) Although this point has no direct bearing on the current circumstance, it is nonetheless
significant going forward. Along with the president and other officers of the Indian
Association of Clinical Psychologists, RCI should consider setting up frequent meetings
with all department heads in universities that provide M.Phil. (CP) program. All heads
must be informed of any actions being taken to maintain inclusion and transparency, and
decisions should never be made without first consulting the chiefs of the CP departments.

g) To reiterate point "f," we vehemently contend that expert panels ought to include a broad
spectrum of professionals exclusively from the field of clinical psychology, including 1)
seasoned experts; 2) youthful, adaptable faculty members; 3) accomplished professionals
from private practice; and 4) association representatives. A complete approach to the
growth and development of our profession that is in line with the global clinical
psychology scenario can be ensured by including a variety of perspectives.

Since 1968, we have been a professional body for clinical psychology. As such, we are
concerned for the greater good of the population that needs clinical psychology services and
those who are dealing with mental health issues, as the proposed structure and duties will
seriously harm those in need of clinical psychology services and those who have mental illness.

On December 27, 2023, we also submitted a public petition to your esteemed office via our Joint
Secretary, Shweta Sharma, as a Grievance PMOPG/E/2023/0272302 to provide details on the
current situation. An adverse influence on the mental health of Indian citizens will result from
NITI AYOG's assertion that graduates and undergraduates are on equal footing and may
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perform clinical psychology functions even in the absence of the required training matching
international standards. As a body of qualified and experienced clinical psychologists, we politely
ask you to look into the matter and re-consider the decisions made to date.

Sincere Regards,

Copy to:
• Sh. Suman K Bery, Vice Chairman,Niti Aayog, Yojana Bhawan, Sansad Marg.,
New Delhi-110001
• Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam,CEO,Niti Aayog, Yojana Bhawan, Sansad Marg.,
New Delhi-110001
• Dr. Avichal Raj Kapur, Joint Secretary,University Grants Commission
(UGC),Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,New Delhi – 110002
• Mr. Deepak Vats, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC),Bahadur
Shah Zafar Marg,New Delhi – 110002
• Dr. Sharanjeet Kaur,Chairperson, Rehabilitation Council of India,B-22, Qutub
Institutional Area,New Delhi - 110 016
• Shri Vikas Trivedi,Member Secretary,Rehabilitation Council of India,B-22, Qutub
Institutional Area,New Delhi - 110 016

Ms.Shweta Sharma,Joint Secreatry Dr.Dherandra Kumar,President