Jeevan Urges Schools to Comply with Mandatory Counselor Ruling

Jamshedpur: In a landmark decision to combat the student mental health crisis, the Supreme Court of India now requires all educational institutions with 100 or more students to appoint trained counselors, psychologists, or social workers. The Court also ordered schools and colleges to prominently display helpline numbers to assist students in distress.

Key Directives from the Supreme Court

• Mandatory Staffing: Institutions with over 100 students must hire specialists in child and adolescent mental health.

• Resource Linkages: Smaller schools must establish formal ties with external mental health professionals.

• Mentoring Framework: Schools must maintain healthy student-to-counselor ratios and provide extra support during exams.

• Banned Practices: The Court discouraged batch segregation based on grades, public shaming, and unrealistic academic pressure.

Jeevan’s Call to Action

Jamshedpur’s suicide prevention center, Jeevan, hailed the ruling and announced an upcoming drive to urge students, parents, and administrators to prioritize emotional well-being.

The center will formally write to local institutions, requesting they display Jeevan’s helpline numbers (9297777499 and 9297777500) alongside other emergency contacts. Jeevan emphasizes that early stress identification and open conversations can dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and save lives.

Implementation and Support

The Supreme Court has directed all states and union territories to implement these guidelines within a strict timeframe. This move represents a decisive national effort to safeguard students and prevent suicides.

Need Help? Contact Jeevan:

• In-Person Support: Visit 25 Q Road, Bistupur, Jamshedpur (Daily, 10 am – 6 pm).

• Phone/WhatsApp: Call 9297777499 or 9297777500 for immediate emotional assistance.