Gujarat makes mental health and suicide prevention mandatory for students
Schools for Classes 9 to 12 must establish wellness teams and appoint counsellors, according to ANI.
The Gujarat government has introduced new regulations requiring mental health support and suicide prevention measures in secondary and higher secondary schools across the state, according to ANI. The rules apply to all schools affiliated with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) for Classes 9 to 12.
Under the new provisions, every school must form a School Wellness Team (SWT). Institutions with 100 or more students are required to hire at least one qualified psychologist, counsellor, or social worker trained in adolescent mental health.
The framework, which includes Regulation 16(A), was developed following Supreme Court guidelines and NCERT's UMMEED framework. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel guided the Education Department to implement these measures, with support from Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja and Minister of State for Education Rivabaa Jadeja.
The School Wellness Team will be led by the principal and include a coordinator, teachers, a School Management Committee representative, a non-teaching staff member, and a student peer leader called 'Mano-Mitra'.
Schools with fewer than 100 students must set up formal referral links with external professionals, Community Health Centres, or Tele-MANAS services. The regulations also prohibit segregating students based on marks or using public humiliation regarding academic performance.
To support emotional well-being, schools must organise activities such as yoga, meditation, and sports. Teaching and non-teaching staff are required to undergo training by mental health professionals at least twice a year.