Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Launches Comprehensive Mental Health Initiative for 40,000 Students

Pimpri, 9th October 2024: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is advancing student mental health through the Mental Health Initiative for promoTion, pRevention, and redressAl (MITRA) program, which is active in 96 primary schools and serves about 40,000 students from grades 1 to 8. The program provides trained counsellors who visit schools weekly, offering support on stress management, bullying, health, hygiene, and study skills.

These counsellors, known as “Dadas” and “Tais,” serve as neutral figures for students to discuss challenges at school or home. Many students express a desire for more frequent sessions with their counsellors, indicating the program’s significance in promoting early emotional health.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated, “Today’s young students face unique pressures. With MITRA, we’re providing a space for life skills development and addressing emotional needs. We are the only corporation to implement such a comprehensive mental health program in schools.”

The MITRA initiative includes individual and group counselling and integrates lessons on empathy and responsibility through activities like poster competitions and teamwork projects. Counsellors also collaborate with teachers and parents, advising on supporting students’ emotional growth. Teachers report improvements in classroom dynamics due to the availability of mental health professionals.

PCMC has also partnered with the mental health organization Sangath to extend support to secondary schools. This program currently includes 19 secondary schools, reaching over 5,500 students in classes 9 and 10. Funded by Bajaj Finance Ltd. (Bajaj CSR), it equips older students with strategies to handle academic pressures and family issues while providing sessions on mental health.

The initiative emphasizes an inclusive school culture that values mental health. Sangath’s program for secondary schools has led to a reduction in bullying, improved self-discipline, and increased interest in counselling services, with teachers noting higher engagement levels in the classroom.

Program Highlights:

Supportive Environment: The counselling initiative, led by PCMC in collaboration with Sangath, reaches over 40,000 students in over 110 primary and secondary schools.

School Health Facilitators (SHFs): Trained professionals address issues like bullying and academic stress in secondary schools. In primary schools, MITRA counsellors conduct sessions on health, hygiene, study habits, and emotional management.

Positive Impact: Students report reduced exam stress and improved confidence, while teachers observe better classroom dynamics.

Community Engagement: The program encourages mental health awareness among families and communities.