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The Delhi government is set to introduce a new mental well-being policy to improve the emotional and psychological health of children and young people. The policy will cover children and youth up to 29 years of age. Notably, its benefits will not be limited to students studying in schools and colleges but will also extend to young people outside the formal education system. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said on Wednesday that the government aims to create an environment where children and young people can openly discuss their emotions and mental health concerns without fear or hesitation.
CM SHRI Schools to Private Educational Institutions to Be Covered
The proposed policy will cover CM SHRI schools, government and government-aided schools, higher education institutions, and private educational institutions in Delhi. In addition, the emotional and mental well-being of children with special needs will also receive attention. The government believes that academic achievements alone are not sufficient for the overall development of children; their emotional health and psychological well-being must also be given priority.
During a review of the proposed policy, Education Minister Ashish Sood said that the objective is to create a safe and supportive environment where children can express their emotions freely. Children often face mental pressure, stress and other emotional challenges but may hesitate to share their concerns due to fear or social stigma. Through this policy, the government aims to promote an environment of open communication and support across schools and educational institutions.
Responsibility to Extend Beyond Teachers to the Entire School Environment
One of the key features of the policy is that responsibility for children's mental and emotional well-being will not remain limited to teachers. Instead, the entire school environment will be expected to contribute to their well-being. According to a government statement, provisions for psychometric assessments of teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as transport personnel who regularly interact with children, have also been reviewed.
The initiative recognises the importance of everyone who comes into regular contact with children. Students interact with different staff members not only during classroom hours but also during other school activities and transportation. Therefore, their behaviour, communication and responsible engagement with children will also form part of the policy.
Special Handbooks Prepared to Improve Emotional Awareness
Special handbooks have also been prepared to help understand children's emotional needs and encourage responsible communication with them. These handbooks include structured questions, practical exercises and various activities. Their objective is to improve emotional awareness among teachers and other staff members and help them engage more effectively with children.
Through these activities, the policy will focus on understanding children's emotions and encouraging them to express their concerns. The government aims to create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their problems and seeking support whenever required, rather than keeping their concerns to themselves.
Policy to Be Formally Launched on November 19
According to Education Minister Ashish Sood, the mental well-being policy will be formally launched on November 19 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will also be present on the occasion. Through this initiative, the government aims to bring mental health and emotional well-being into the education system in a more structured manner.
Ashish Sood said that education should not be viewed only in terms of classrooms, textbooks and examination results. Every child deserves an environment where they feel safe, heard and understood. He added that conversations around mental health should not begin only when a child is facing a serious crisis.
Focus on Overall Development Alongside Academic Performance
The minister said that the government aims to build a culture where children can express their emotions and seek support without hesitation or stigma. The initiative will also focus on building confidence, resilience and overall well-being among children and young people.
The Delhi government's initiative marks a step towards giving mental and emotional health an important place within the education system. The policy will extend its coverage to schools, higher education institutions, private institutions and young people outside the formal education system. Through this approach, the government aims to prioritise the overall development of children and youth rather than focusing solely on academic performance.
