Lok Sabha Question No. 3416 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Camps Designed to Impart Positivity among Students
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Smt. D K Aruna

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3416 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## CAMPS DESIGNED TO IMPART POSITIVITY AMONG STUDENTS

## 3416. Smt. D K Aruna :

Shri Eatala Rajender:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  and  other  organisations  including  NGOs  are  hosting  any  online camps designed to 'impart positivity' for teenagers particularly for girl students;

(b) whether such programmes are designed and aims to impart the tools to build confidence, and deepen focus on academics and personal growth;

(c) whether modules of such camps are centred on transforming the exam experience for students with emphasis on healthy study habits, anxiety and stress management and other modules delve into study strategies and on 'positive mind mastery' covering techniques on revision efficiency, improving memory, as well as gratitude practices and goal setting, if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of fund allocated and spent in this regard till date; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government and the outcome in this regard, State-wise especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (e): Education is a subject in the concurrent list of the Constitution and a majority of schools are  under  the  administrative  control  of  the  respective  State  Government/UT  administration. Schools  play  a  significant  role  in  nurturing  holistic  development  of  students  including  their mental health and well-being, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 takes a holistic view about the mental well-being of children and their nourishment which is required for optimal learning.

Further,  as  per  the  perspective  of  NEP  2020,  National  Council  of  Educational  Research  and Training  (NCERT)  has  developed  and  launched  National  Curriculum  Framework  for  the Foundational  Stage  (NCF-FS)  and  National  Curriculum  Framework  for  School  Education (NCF-SE). Both the NCFs integrate the mental well-being of students in different aspects such as syllabi development, development of content in learning and teaching material, pedagogical practices etc. The framework also lays emphasis on the role of all stakeholders, teachers, school functionaries, parents  and community members to ensure that every student is provided with mental  and  emotional  support.  In  addition  to  this,  NCERT  has  started  'NCERT  Counselling 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.

Under the aegis of the School Health Program under Ayushman Bharat, NCERT has developed a comprehensive package titled 'Training and Resource Material: Health and Wellness of Schoolgoing Children'. A specific module has been included on 'Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health', which has activities related to the mental health and well-being of students and teachers.

NCERT has issued Mental health Guidelines in 2022 which presents a comprehensive approach to promote mental health in schools by implementing age and gender-specific programs within a trustworthy  environment,  where  students  feel  safe  to  confide.  It  includes  training  teachers  to identify  early  signs  of  issues  like  anxiety,  low  moods,  or  learning  disabilities  and  addressing bullying or harassment promptly.

For  mental  health  and  wellbeing  of  students,  the  Government  (Ministry  of  Education)  has launched an initiative called ' Manodarpan ', under 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan' on 21st July, 2020, with the aim to provide psychosocial support to students, their families and teachers across the country, for mental health and well-being. A National toll-free tele-helpline (844-8440632) for reaching out  to  students  from  schools,  colleges  and  universities  across  the  country seeking support on mental health concerns and other psychosocial issues. The services offered on the helpline are free of cost.

Mental Health Week and International Mental Health Day celebrations are encouraged in schools across the country every year since 2020. The aim is to build awareness and enhance sensitivity towards  mental  health  and  well-being  among  students  through  participation  in  experiential activities. Recently, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education has organized a national online workshop on Mental Health and Cyber Security for the engagement of youth on World Mental Health Day i.e. 10 th October, 2024.

Besides the above, the Government (M/o Health & Family Welfare) has launched a "National Tele Mental Health Program" (NTMHP) on 10th October 2022, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. As on 22.11.2024, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells and have started tele mental health services. More than 15,95,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number.

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