– Ronita Torcato

A special campaign for the mental health of children will be launched on a pilot basis in schools in 10 districts of the state as part of the ‘Manas Project-Safe Childhood, Prosperous Maharashtra’ of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) and the Manamukt Foundation.

The year long initiative will adopt a holistic approach to preserve the mental health of students in which parents and teachers will be actively involved. The districts will soon be identified for the campaign.

If the pilot project succeeds, it will be expanded to other districts of the state in a phased manner and efforts made to include mental health in the school education system.

Globally, approximately 10–20 percent of children and adolescents experience mental health issues, with 1 in 7 experiencing anxiety, depression, mental and behavioral disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD), which are exacerbated by academic pressure, bullying, and social media, often leading to poor academic performance and higher dropout rates.

Sanjay Vishnu Puranik, chairperson of the six member MSCPCR explained the rationale for introducing the project in Maharashtra in a statement issued here. It has been adopted in the backdrop of “increasing stress, depression and other mental challenges affecting students due to a competitive environment.”

Early identification of symptoms like persistent headaches, social withdrawal, irritability, or dramatic grade drops is crucial to prevent long-term issues.

However, many students, families, and teachers lack awareness regarding mental health, often leading to underreported cases.

The project will focus on developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence , stress management, decision-making and leadership skills in students.

An age-appropriate curriculum on mental health will be prepared for students from classes 1 to 12, under the guidance of psychologists, educators and counsellors using activity-based and experiential learning methods.

‘Conscious Parenting’ for parents and communication skills training, emotional support and classroom management training will be organised for teachers.

The Commission has appealed to schools, parents and teachers to actively participate in the initiative.

“This project will help increase confidence, positivity, and emotional stability among students, as well as create a stress-free and cooperative environment in schools,” Puranik said.

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