Counsellor in school call raised
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 24 2023:
Demanding appointment of full time counsellor/psychologist in all educational institutions in Manipur, the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has submitted a memorandum each to Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar.
DESAM, in a statement, said that non appointment of counsellor/psychologist in many schools could have a negative effect on the students' wellbeing and performance as they (students) spend considerable amount of time in schools.
Saying that some schools in Manipur barred a section of students from taking board examinations at the eleventh hour solely based on poor academic performance in their pre board tests, DESAM continued that such a conduct is a clear indication of school failing to provide early diagnosis and timely intervention to students who need counselling.
It is imperative that schools in Manipur implement a more effective system for identifying and supporting students who require academic assistance, DESAM added.
DESAM further stated that there has been many cases in which children with intellectual difficulties, Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder and Neuro Developmental Disorders are not identified at the right time and in the right manner, forcing them to suffer in the midst of the competitive schooling system.
Continuing that Manipur has been witnessing an alarming increase in the number of youth getting trapped in the vicious circle of alcohol and drug abuse, DESAM maintained that creating a post for counsellor/psychologist in every educational institution will help prevent from the young students taking drugs to some extent.
The purpose of an education system is not only to foster academic learning but to ensure all- round development of children, the student organisation said and added that NEP 2020 also emphasizes on mental health and well-being of the students to promote holistic development among the students.
Helping students overcome their emotional problems through supportive counselling services and life skills education can help them deal with a range of psychosocial issues, DESAM pointed out.