CBSE pushes for students’ mental health, urges schools to display Tele-Manas helpline

Giving prominence to mental health, the CBSE has asked all its affiliated schools to integrate Tele-MANAS services into the school environment.

The National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS) offers a free, confidential and 24x7 mental health helpline to support the well-being of citizens across India, especially students.

In a circular, the CBSE said schools are a vital environment in shaping the emotional resilience of students.

“By empowering students with knowledge of, and access to, professional mental health services through Tele-MANAS, schools may play a pivotal role in nurturing a healthy and confident generation,” board said.

All affiliated schools have been asked to prominently display the Tele-MANAS helpline numbers—14416 and 1800-891-4416—and the QR code for the Tele-MANAS app at prominent locations, especially near counsellor rooms, common notice boards, libraries, and ICT labs.

The schools have been urged to include mental health awareness and Tele-MANAS information in school newsletters, student handbooks, school assemblies, and parent-teacher meetings.

“Use IEC videos developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare during student wellness and life-skills education activities. Capacity-building of school counsellors and wellness coordinators to inform and refer students to Tele-MANAS services when required,” the board said.

The CBSE has asked the schools to encourage age-appropriate, peer-led health awareness activities, in collaboration with ongoing school programmes under Samagra Shiksha or PM SHRI Schools.

Since its launch on October 10, 2022, Tele-MANAS has handled over 23 lakh calls through 53 dedicated cells across States and UTs. Services are currently available in 20 languages and are managed by trained mental health professionals. Recognizing the unique needs of adolescents and young learners, the Ministry has also launched a Video Consultation Platform for real-time, confidential interaction, and a Tele-MANAS mobile application (available in Hindi and English) to further enhance accessibility.