The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), in collaboration with Manamukt Foundation, will launch a special campaign for children's mental health under the 'Manas Project: Secure Childhood, Prosperous Maharashtra'.
Pilot Phase in 10 Districts
Chairman of the State Child Rights Protection Commission, Sanjay Puranik, stated that the initiative will begin on a pilot basis in 10 districts of the state. This project was undertaken against the backdrop of rising stress, depression, and mental challenges among students due to competitive environments. It adopts a holistic approach to safeguard students' mental health, with active involvement from parents and teachers. The districts for this special campaign will soon be finalized, said the chairman.
Curriculum and Training
'The project emphasizes developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, stress management, decision-making, and leadership skills among students. Under the guidance of psychologists, education experts, and counselors, age-appropriate curricula for students from Std I to XII will be prepared. It will incorporate activity-based and experiential learning methods. Training on 'conscious parenting' and communication skills will be organized for parents, while teachers will receive sessions on emotional support and classroom management,' said Puranik in a statement.
Year-Long Project
This year-long project will boost students' confidence, positivity, and emotional stability, while fostering a stress-free and collaborative environment in schools. Once the pilot project is successfully implemented, it will be expanded phase-wise to other districts. The Commission has appealed to all schools, parents, and teachers to actively participate in this initiative.
Focus on Orphaned Children
Atul Desai, member of the commission and founder of NGO Abhas Foundation for orphans, said, 'We are also going to focus on children from state-run child care institutions across the state. There are around 25,000 children in such institutions. Some of them break down and leave the institutions. Recently a 20-year-old orphan from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar died by suicide, and he was working in a hotel in Kolhapur. Through Manas, we are going to help such youths secure their future.'
