Karnataka Sets Six-Month Deadline for Schools and Colleges to Implement Mental Health Norms

In a move aimed at strengthening student welfare, the Karnataka government has directed all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities and coaching centres, to put in place a comprehensive set of mental health safeguards within six months or before the start of the next academic year.

The directive follows a 15-point framework laid down by the Supreme Court in July last year, amid growing concern over student suicides and mounting academic stress. The state has asked institutions to treat mental health support as a core responsibility rather than an auxiliary service.

As part of the guidelines, institutions with more than 100 students must appoint at least one qualified mental health professional, such as a counsellor, psychologist or social worker, trained in child and adolescent mental health. A counsellor-to-student ratio of one for every 1,500 to 2,000 students has been recommended. Faculty mentoring systems are also to be strengthened, with teachers assigned to smaller student groups to ensure regular engagement and early identification of distress.

The norms call for a rethinking of high-pressure academic practices. Institutions have been advised to avoid public shaming, performance-based segregation and unrealistic academic targets, particularly in coaching environments. Residential campuses have been asked to introduce safety measures, including tamper-proof ceiling fans and restricted access to vulnerable areas, alongside clearly defined crisis-response protocols.

Staff training is another key component. Teaching and non-teaching personnel must undergo mandatory mental health orientation sessions at least twice a year, conducted by trained professionals, to enable early intervention and appropriate support.

The government has also stressed the need to activate or strengthen anti-ragging cells, grievance redressal mechanisms, internal complaints committees and Student Wellbeing Teams involving counsellors, faculty, students and parents. Physical education periods, the circular notes, should be used exclusively for sports and fitness activities.

While the measures have been widely welcomed, institutions have flagged concerns over staffing constraints and implementation costs, especially the availability of trained counsellors. The success of the initiative, educationists argue, will depend on sustained government support and the willingness of institutions to embed mental health care into everyday academic life.