Delhi Government to Launch Mental Well-being Policy for Students and Youth; Schools, Colleges to Be Covered

The Delhi government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive mental well-being policy for children and young people, with the proposed framework expected to cover individuals up to 29 years of age, including those who are not enrolled in formal education.

Education Minister Ashish Sood reviewed the proposed policy on November 11, 2026. The initiative aims to make emotional and psychological well-being an important part of the education system and create an environment where young people can discuss their concerns without fear or social stigma.

According to the announcement reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the policy will be formally launched on November 19, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

Delhi mental well-being policy: Educational institutions to be covered

The proposed framework will extend to several categories of educational institutions, including:

1. CM SHRI schools
2. Delhi government schools
3. Government-aided schools
4. Private educational institutions
5. Higher education institutions
6. Children with special needs

The policy will also seek to reach young people who are outside the formal education system. This wider coverage is intended to ensure that mental well-being initiatives are not restricted to students attending schools and colleges.The government aims to encourage an environment in which children and young adults feel comfortable discussing their emotions and seeking support when required.

Psychometric assessments for school staff under consideration

An important component of the proposed framework is the involvement of the wider school environment in promoting children's well-being.During the policy review, provisions relating to psychometric assessments of teaching and non-teaching employees were examined. The assessment framework also includes transport personnel who regularly interact with children.

The approach seeks to extend the responsibility for creating a supportive environment beyond teachers and classrooms to other individuals who are part of students' daily school experiences.

Special handbooks to promote emotional awareness

The Delhi government has also prepared dedicated handbooks to help improve emotional awareness among children and encourage responsible interactions between adults and students.

These resources reportedly include structured questions, practical exercises and activities. They are intended to help educational institutions and staff engage more effectively with children's emotional needs.

The initiative also seeks to make conversations about emotional well-being a regular part of the educational environment rather than addressing these concerns only when difficulties arise.

Ashish Sood highlights importance of students' mental well-being

During the review, Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasised that education should focus on children's overall development rather than being limited to classroom learning, textbooks and examination results.He said every child should have an environment in which they feel safe, understood and comfortable expressing their concerns.The minister also highlighted the need to build a culture where discussing emotions and seeking support are considered normal, without hesitation or stigma.

SCIFF and wider education initiatives focus on children's development

The proposed mental well-being policy reflects the Delhi government's broader emphasis on students' development beyond academic performance.By extending its proposed coverage to schools, colleges, children with special needs and young people outside formal education, the initiative seeks to give greater importance to emotional awareness, confidence and resilience.

The policy is scheduled for its formal launch on November 19, 2026. Further details regarding its implementation, institutional responsibilities and support mechanisms will be important to watch following its release.