CBSE directs schools to integrate Tele-MANAS mental health services

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to actively integrate Tele-MANAS, a mental health support service launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to ensure students have easy and stigma-free access to professional help.

Since its launch on Oct 10, 2022, the National Tele-Mental Health Programme, Tele-MANAS, has managed over 23 lakh calls through 53 centers across states and union territories.

The service offers free, confidential, round-the-clock support in 20 languages, provided by trained mental health professionals.

To expand accessibility, the Ministry has introduced a Video Consultation Platform for real-time confidential sessions and launched the Tele-MANAS mobile app in Hindi and English, with additional regional language versions planned.

These initiatives aim to address the specific mental health needs of adolescents and young learners.

CBSE highlighted the role of schools in building students’ emotional resilience, saying, "By ensuring access to these services, institutions can help nurture a healthier, more confident generation."

The circular instructs schools to prominently display Tele-MANAS helpline numbers 14416 and 1800-891-4416 and the QR code for the mobile app in areas such as counsellor rooms, libraries, notice boards, and ICT labs.

Schools are also required to share this information through newsletters, handbooks, assemblies, and parent-teacher meetings.

Additional measures include screening awareness videos developed by the ministry during wellness and life-skills activities, training counsellors and wellness coordinators to guide students to Tele-MANAS when needed, and organizing age-appropriate peer-led awareness programs.

The circular has been circulated to Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and state education departments for wider adoption.

All CBSE-affiliated schools have been urged to implement Tele-MANAS actively and inform students, staff, and parents about the service.

CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta emphasized, "The active participation of schools is crucial for the successful integration of mental health services in the education system."