The Gujarat government has mandated mental health support systems in secondary and higher secondary schools, making student well-being a formal responsibility of educational institutions. The new regulations apply to Classes 9 to 12 in schools affiliated with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).
Introduced under the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Regulations, 1974, the provisions aim to identify emotional distress early, prevent student suicides and reduce academic pressure.
According to a state government release, every school offering Classes 9 to 12 must establish a School Wellness Team (SWT) at the beginning of each academic year. The principal will head the team, supported by a counsellor or designated teacher, teachers from both sections, a School Management Committee representative, a non-teaching staff member and two student peer leaders called 'Mano-Mitra'.
The framework draws on NCERT's UMMEED guidelines, which focus on understanding, motivating, managing, empathising, empowering and developing students.
Qualified Counsellors Made Mandatory
Schools with 100 or more students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist or social worker trained in child and adolescent mental health.
Institutions with fewer than 100 students must establish referral arrangements with external professionals and nearby health centres. They can also connect students with the District Mental Health Programme and Tele-MANAS services.
The Mano-Mitra initiative will train selected students to provide initial peer support and help classmates access professional assistance. Additional mentoring and counselling must be arranged during stressful periods, including board examinations, result announcements and transitions between school stages.
No Public Shaming or Segregation Over Marks
A significant provision prohibits schools from separating students based on examination marks or results. Institutions are also barred from publicly humiliating students or comparing their performance in ways that could cause emotional distress.
Instead, schools must promote dignity, equality, encouragement and cooperation. Activities such as yoga, meditation, music, art, gardening, dance and sports are encouraged to support mental well-being.
Students must also have confidential channels to approach counsellors and teachers, along with suggestion boxes and prominently displayed helpline information.
Mental Health Training and Emergency Response
Teaching and non-teaching staff must undergo training by certified mental health professionals at least twice a year. Schools must establish procedures for psychological first aid, identifying warning signs and responding to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Students displaying severe distress must receive immediate attention. Anyone who attempts suicide or engages in self-harm must never be left alone, and schools must arrange medical or emergency assistance without delay.
The rules also require confidentiality of counselling records and mental health information, with access restricted to authorised individuals involved in a student's safety and welfare.
District Committees to Monitor Compliance
Schools must establish confidential grievance mechanisms to address bullying, cyberbullying, ragging, sexual harassment and discrimination. Institutions that fail to respond appropriately to known or reasonably identifiable risks may face institutional culpability and possible disciplinary or legal action under applicable laws.
District-level monitoring committees headed by District Collectors will review complaints, serious incidents and compliance. Schools must follow their directives.
The regulations also require career guidance covering educational, vocational, skill-based and entrepreneurship opportunities, encouraging students to explore pathways beyond conventional academic choices.
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