Gujarat mandates mental health support in secondary schools
New regulations prohibit schools from segregating students by marks or publicly humiliating them over academic performance.
The Gujarat government has introduced new regulations requiring mental health support systems in secondary and higher secondary schools. According to India Today, these rules apply to Classes 9 to 12 in institutions affiliated with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).
The provisions aim to identify student distress, prevent suicides, and reduce academic pressure. Under the new rules, schools are prohibited from segregating students based on marks or publicly comparing academic performance in ways that cause emotional distress.
Every school must form a School Wellness Team (SWT) at the start of each academic year. Led by the principal, the team will include a coordinator, teachers, a management committee representative, a non-teaching staff member, and two student peer leaders called 'Mano-Mitra'.
Schools with 100 or more students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist, or social worker. Smaller schools must establish referral arrangements with external professionals, community health centres, the District Mental Health Programme, or Tele-MANAS services.
All teaching and non-teaching staff are required to undergo mental health training by certified professionals at least twice a year. The framework also mandates confidential grievance mechanisms to address bullying, ragging, and discrimination.
A monitoring committee led by the District Collector will oversee the implementation at the district level. Schools that fail to act on known risks that lead to serious harm or suicide may face institutional culpability and legal action.