Maharashtra Mandates Mental Health Support for Students

The Maharashtra government has enacted new, comprehensive guidelines aimed at mitigating academic and other stresses faced by students. These regulations extend to both educational institutions and private coaching classes, addressing rising concerns about student well-being. The directives follow Supreme Court suggestions and aim to provide timely mental health support across the state.

Key measures include a mandate for educational institutions with over 100 students to appoint at least one qualified counsellor, while smaller ones must arrange external mental health professional referrals. Teaching and non-teaching staff will undergo mandatory annual mental health training. Furthermore, private coaching classes are instructed to implement balanced timetables, one weekly holiday, and cap daily coaching hours at five, while also organizing co-curricular activities focused on life skills.

District-level committees, led by district collectors, will be established to manage complaints related to student stress. These committees will comprise officials from education, health, and women and child welfare departments, alongside social workers and child psychologists. Coaching classes are also prohibited from displaying test results and must inform students that enrolment doesn't guarantee competitive exam success, with grievance redressal mechanisms to be set up within a month.