Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reviewed the draft National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools, calling for a holistic and preventive approach to strengthen mental wellness across the education system.

According to the Ministry of Education, the review meeting brought together officials, committee members and domain experts to discuss measures aimed at supporting the mental well-being of students, teachers and the wider school community.

Pradhan emphasised the need to create safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments, promote a positive school culture based on empathy, trust and emotional resilience, and integrate mental health and well-being into school practices as a core component of quality education.

He also said the proposed policy should draw on Indian Knowledge Systems and culture, be practical in its implementation, and recognise teachers as the first level of mentors for students.

The ministry is expected to place the policy in the public domain soon. Officials had earlier indicated that it would focus on strengthening mental health support systems in schools, including counselling services and the early identification of stress among students.

The minister also highlighted the role of families in supporting children’s mental health, noting that a child’s well-being is influenced by both school and home environments.

Inputs from PTI

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