Bhopal Schools Defy CBSE Mandate for Full-Time Student Counsellors
In a significant breach of educational regulations, numerous prominent schools across Bhopal are openly flouting Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directives by failing to appoint full-time counsellors on their campuses. This mandatory requirement, designed to provide crucial mental health support to students, is being systematically ignored, prompting immediate intervention from concerned parents.
PTA Issues Urgent Demand for Enforcement
The Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) has dispatched a strongly worded letter to the school education department, calling for the immediate enforcement of CBSE guidelines. The association warns that the absence of trained counsellors leaves students and parents without a vital resource to combat escalating psychological and behavioral issues.
The PTA's communication highlights that without professional guidance, students are particularly vulnerable to problems like excessive screen time and addictive online gaming, phenomena that have surged dramatically since the pandemic began. "Children are spending hours glued to their mobile devices, resulting in heightened anxiety, declining academic performance, and severely strained family relationships," stated Prabodh Pandya, General Secretary of the PTA.
CBSE Norms Repeatedly Ignored Since 2017
CBSE regulations, reinforced through multiple circulars issued since 2017, explicitly mandate that every affiliated school must employ at least one full-time counsellor. These professionals are essential for addressing:
- Academic and examination-related stress
- Cyber addiction and digital overuse
- Interpersonal conflicts and social challenges
Despite these clear directives, many institutions in Bhopal have consistently avoided compliance. School administrations have cited budget limitations and reliance on inadequate outsourced arrangements as justifications for their failure to hire qualified, dedicated counsellors.
PTA Condemns Negligence and Calls for Accountability
The PTA has condemned this widespread negligence as completely unacceptable, emphasizing that a majority of top-tier schools in the city are operating without proper adherence to CBSE standards. The association is now mobilizing parents to demand:
- Comprehensive audits of school counselling facilities
- Strict penalties for non-compliant institutions
- Full accountability from school managements
This collective action aims to prevent irreversible harm to young minds in an increasingly digital and high-pressure educational environment. The PTA argues that investing in student mental health is not optional but a fundamental responsibility of every educational institution.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the school education department to see if it will enforce the rules rigorously or allow the current violations to persist, potentially compromising the well-being of thousands of students in Bhopal.
