Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) focuses on helping children, families, and relationships thrive. Students majoring in HDFS have a genuine concern for children and families and seek the challenge of helping people learn, solve life problems, and successfully interact with others. With special vision and mission, the department UG in HDFS Programme was introduced as part of Home Science Elective in the year in 1971. Department is also running PG programme in HDFS (M.Sc. in Human Development & Family Studies) since 1993.

Vision

To strengthen student’s capabilities, skills and knowledge in the field of human development across lifespan perspective and it includes:

1. Study of effectiveness of comprehensive childcare.
2. Organizing 'Model Creche' (Daycare) & ,'Laboratory play Group'(Nursery School) as a rural model of care of infants and pre-schoolers.
3. Development, delivery and testing of mothers' education package at community level.
4. Establishment of self Help Groups (SHGs) of women and family empowerment issues in rural families.
5. Home stimulation for mothers and its effectiveness.
6. Identification of disabilities in early childhood in rural families and development of intervention packages.
7. To impart knowledge and skills to graduates of Home Science to realize direct benefits of the employment sector.
8. To plan and execute need-based, multi-disciplinary and action oriented researches for improving quality of life of the people, especially of Uttarakhand.
9. To inculcate entrepreneurial skills and organize training /Courses for the community to facilitate entrepreneurship.
10. Future perspective will incorporate family support services along with special need service.
11. To develop interactive linkages with industries, government as well as non- government organizations.

To fulfill the vision through development of need based curriculum that would enable the graduates and postgraduate of Human Development and Family Studies to become active partners in the economic growth and development of the rural & urban community it may be family, society, nation or world.

Mission

1. Focusing on development/ Collaboration/ upgradation/renovation of Human Development laboratories to generate income and enhance community health and wellbeing -
   • ▪ Mental Health Care and Guidance/ Counselling Center
   • ▪ Special Need Care, Education and Guidance/ Counselling Center
   • ▪ Women Study Center
   • ▪ SHG’s Family Support Structures
2. Promotion of psychological testing and mental health among population
3. Speeding up/ maximizing number of MOU signing with govt. and non-govt. organizations related to Human Development departments to bring novelty and quality in research/ training and extension for students / worker/ institution and state.
4. Promotion of skill oriented education, quality research and increasing family employability, income and quality of life.
5. Organization of Trainings/ Workshops/ Seminars for training for rural and urban population to improve their knowledge employability and wellbeing in emerging fields of human development.
6. Imparting skill and developing innovative/creative vision in students to meet the demand of changing world under the courses of BSMA (Broad Subject Matter Area Committees) and NEP (national Education Policy)
7. Promotion of psychological testing and mental health among population

Facilities

Research Priorities of the department –

Research Areas

1. Study of effectiveness of comprehensive childcare through pretest-post test experimental and control group design research
2. Organizing 'Farm Crèche' as a rural model of care of infants and pre-schoolers
3. Development of mothers’ education package, its delivery at community level and testing its effectiveness
4. Study on family planning information needs assessment
5. Self Help Group (SHGs) of women and family empowerment issues in rural families
6. Home stimulation for mothers and its effectiveness
7. Identification of disabilities in early childhood in rural families and development of intervention package
8. SHGs’ linkages with ICDS and community partnership