Lok Sabha Question No. 47 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-11-29
Subject: Mental Health of Students
Ministry: Education
Asked by: Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 47 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.11.2021

## Mental Health of Students

## 47. SHRI SHRINIWAS PATIL:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any policy regarding mental health of school going children and their teachers;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if no, reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a) to (c) The  Ministry  of  Education  has  undertaken  a  proactive  initiative,  named, 'Manodarpan' ,  covering  a  wide  range  of  activities  to  provide  psychosocial  support  to students,  teachers  and  families  for  Mental  Health  and  Emotional  Wellbeing  during  the COVID outbreak and beyond. A Working Group, having experts from the fields of education, mental  health  and  psychosocial  issues  as  its  members,  has  been  set  up  to  monitor  and promote  the  mental  health  issues  and  concerns  of  students  and  to  facilitate  providing  of support to address the mental health and psychosocial aspects during and after COVID-19, through counselling services, online resources and helpline.

The following components are included in the 'Manodarpan' initiative:

- a. Advisory  Guidelines for  students,  teachers  and  faculty  of  School  systems  and Universities along with families.
- b. Web page on Ministry of Education website (URL: http://manodarpan.education.gov.in ) carrying advisory, practical tips, posters, videos, do's and don'ts for psychosocial support, FAQs and online query system.
- c. National  level  database  and  directory  of  counsellors at  School  and  University levels.
- d. National Toll-free Helpline ( 8448440632 )  for  a  country  wide  outreach  to  students from school, universities and colleges.
- e. Handbook  on  Psychosocial  Support: Enriching  Life  skills  and  Wellbeing  of Students
- f. Webinars,  audio-visual  resources  including  videos,  posters,  flyers,  comics, and short films with focus on convergence of resources from other Ministries/Departments  on physical  and  creative  well-being  which  are  essential parts of mental well-being.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has started 'NCERT Counseling Services for School Children' in April, 2020 to help school students across the country share their  concerns.    This  service  is  provided  free  of  charge  by  about  270  counsellors  across different  regions  of  the  country.      Live  interactive  sessions  on  'SAHYOG:  Guidance  for Mental Wellbeing of Children' are telecast on 12 PM eVidya DTH-TV channels for classes 1 to 12.  To handle stress and anxiety recorded videos on Yoga are telecast through 12 DTH TV  channels  with  effect  from  1 st September,  2020  from  Classes  1  to  12  and  also  digital resources are made available in digital platforms, i.e., DIKSHA.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) arranged pre-exam and post-result tollfree tele-counselling with the help of trained counsellors and principals in India and in other countries such as Japan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Nepal and Kuwait.  Toll-Free Tele Helpline on CORONA VIRUS safeguards was set up by CBSE for students as well as general public and provided guidance on preventive care and counselled them about their fears and concerns.

Under  the  aegis  of  the  School  Health  Programme  under  Ayushman  Bharat,  the  National Council  of  Educational  Research  and  Training  (NCERT)  has  developed  a  comprehensive package  titled  'Training  and  Resource  Material:  Health  and  Wellness  of  School-going Children.  A  specific  module  has  been  included  on  'Emotional  Well-being  and  Mental Health',  which  has  activities  related  to  the  mental  health  and  well-being  of  students  and teachers.

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