No more public shaming over marks, Gujarat mandates mental health teams in schools

Gujarat has mandated wellness teams, qualified counsellors, and peer-support systems in schools for Classes 9-12. The new regulations also prohibit public shaming over marks and strengthen safeguards against bullying and student suicides.Gujarat makes counsellors mandatory in schools, bans student segregation over marks (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)New Delhi,Nov 2, 2026 12:49 ISTThe Gujarat government has introduced new regulations making mental health support systems mandatory in secondary and higher secondary schools, with a focus on identifying student distress, preventing suicides and reducing academic pressure.The new provisions, introduced under the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Regulations, 1974, will apply to Classes 9 to 12 in schools affiliated with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB).According to a state government release issued on Sunday, schools will now have to establish dedicated wellness teams, provide access to qualified mental health professionals and introduce peer-support mechanisms to help students deal with emotional and psychological challenges.The move comes amid growing concerns over examination stress, competition for marks, excessive social media use, family expectations and anxiety about the future. SCHOOLS MUST FORM DEDICATED WELLNESS TEAMSUnder the new regulations, every school offering Classes 9 to 12 will have to constitute a School Wellness Team (SWT) at the beginning of each academic year. Its functioning will be reviewed annually.The school principal will head the team, while a counsellor or designated teacher will serve as its coordinator. The team will also comprise one teacher each from the secondary and higher secondary sections, a School Management Committee representative, a non-teaching staff member, and two student peer leaders, known as 'Mano-Mitra'.These teams will be responsible for safeguarding students' emotional well-being, identifying early signs of mental distress and responding to suicide risks and other emergencies.The state has adopted the UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower and Develop) guidelines developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as a reference framework.The regulations have also been framed in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines and directives concerning student mental health and suicide prevention.COUNSELLORS MANDATORY IN SCHOOLS WITH 100 OR MORE STUDENTSThe government has made it compulsory for schools with 100 or more students to appoint at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist or social worker trained in child and adolescent mental health.Schools with fewer than 100 students will have to establish formal referral arrangements with external mental health professionals and nearby community or primary health centres.They can also refer students to the District Mental Health Programme and Tele-MANAS services.Under the Mano-Mitra initiative, selected students will provide initial emotional support to their peers and help those who need further assistance connect with appropriate support services.Schools will also have to arrange additional mentoring and counselling during particularly stressful periods, including board examinations, result announcements and transitions from Class 8 to 9 and Class 10 to 11.NO SEGREGATING STUDENTS OVER MARKSIn a significant step to address academic pressure, the new regulations prohibit schools from segregating students based on examination results or marks.Schools will also be barred from publicly humiliating students or comparing their academic performance with that of their classmates in ways that could cause emotional distress.Instead, institutions will have to promote an environment built around equality, dignity, encouragement and cooperation.The regulations also encourage schools to organise activities such as yoga, meditation, art, music, gardening, dance and sports to support students' mental well-being.Students must be provided with confidential and accessible channels to communicate their concerns to counsellors or designated teachers. Schools will also have to install suggestion boxes and prominently display child helpline numbers and School Wellness Team contact details.TEACHERS AND STAFF TO UNDERGO MENTAL HEALTH TRAININGThe new framework extends mental health responsibilities beyond counsellors and wellness teams.All teaching and non-teaching staff will have to undergo training conducted by certified mental health professionals at least twice a year.Schools must establish procedures for providing psychological first aid, identifying warning signs, responding to self-harm and referring students to appropriate services.The regulations specify that any indication of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or severe mental distress must be addressed immediately.A student who attempts suicide or engages in self-harm must never be left alone. Schools must arrange appropriate medical or emergency assistance without delay.The framework also makes confidentiality mandatory. Students' mental health information and counselling records must be protected and shared only with authorised individuals directly involved in their safety, treatment or welfare.SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE FOR FAILING TO RESPOND TO WARNING SIGNSThe regulations also require schools to establish confidential grievance redressal mechanisms to address bullying, cyberbullying, ragging, sexual harassment and discrimination.Complaints involving discrimination based on caste, gender, religion, language, socio-economic status and disability will also have to be addressed.Schools that fail to take timely and appropriate action despite being aware, or reasonably expected to be aware, of a potential risk situation may face institutional culpability if their inaction is found to have significantly contributed to serious harm, self-harm or a student's suicide.Disciplinary or legal action may follow under applicable laws.DISTRICT COMMITTEES TO MONITOR IMPLEMENTATIONThe regulations also seek to address academic and career-related anxiety through regular career guidance.Schools will have to help students explore educational, vocational, skill-based, and entrepreneurship opportunities, allowing them to consider options beyond conventional academic pathways.At the district level, a monitoring committee headed by the District Collector will oversee the implementation of the new provisions.The committee will review complaints and serious incidents, monitor compliance, and recommend corrective measures. Schools will be required to follow its directives.Through these measures, the Gujarat government aims to make student mental well-being an integral part of school education rather than treating it as secondary to academic performance.(With PTI inputs)- Ends