Counseling in Schools

CBSE has been sending guidelines to its affiliated schools periodically about providing counselling services to students. Earlier CBSE highlighted this need by observing that ‘exercises in building self-concept, self-image, acceptability, ability to withstand pressures, sense of enterprises, sportsmanship etc. have to be part of the learning process and schools were instructed to provide planned and effective counselling to achieve the above. The CBSE Board has also advised all the senior secondary schools to appoint a person on full time basis for performing the duties of a counselor. It was also expected that secondary school would also follow the above directions if the resources permit. A committee, popularly known as Raghavan Committee, constituted by the Supreme Court of India to make suggestions for prevention of ragging in educational institutions has also made a strong case for regular and periodic psychological counselling sessions for every student in the school. Though ragging is not prevalent at school level, it is necessary for schools to sensitize students about human rights, democratic values and respect for privacy and dignity of others. The right attitude is formed only at formative period of schooling. Schools are advised to create a conducive climate that is free from fear, anxiety and stress so that children can learn joyfully and learn to work together harmoniously. The following points are reiterated in this regard with an instruction to schools to implement an effective program of counselling for students: At secondary and senior secondary stages at least twenty sessions of psychological counselling must be provided to every student in an academic session. Parents and teachers may also be involved in such sessions. Corporal punishment should be totally banned in schools (please refer to CBSE circular dated 20th July, 2002). Awareness about human rights, respect for diversity and equality may be discretely grafted into the lessons and exercises right from the primary classes. Education in Life Skills can be given greater thrust in class VI-VIII to inculcate the desirable value system.