Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Gujarat mandates school counsellors to support student mental health
Gujarat has made it mandatory for schools with more than 100 students to employ counsellors, addressing rising concerns over academic stress and mental health issues among young people. The move aims to tackle examination anxiety, social media pressures and family expectations affecting student well-being.
LSN India ·
The Gujarat education department has introduced provisions requiring schools with an enrolment of 100 or more students to appoint qualified counsellors on their staff. The directive reflects growing recognition of mental health challenges facing students across the state's educational institutions.
The policy addresses multiple factors contributing to psychological stress among students, including intense academic pressure, anxiety related to examinations, excessive social media usage, and heightened family expectations. Education officials have identified these as significant issues affecting student well-being and academic performance.
The counsellors are expected to provide psychological support and guidance to students, serving as a resource for those struggling with stress-related concerns. The initiative represents a proactive step by the state government to integrate mental health support into the school environment, where young people spend considerable time during formative years.
The measure aligns with broader efforts across Indian states to prioritize student mental health and create supportive school ecosystems. By mandating counsellor positions in larger institutions, Gujarat joins other regions in recognising that educational success depends not solely on academic rigour but also on students' psychological well-being and emotional resilience.