The Delhi government will soon introduce a comprehensive mental well-being policy for children and young people up to 29 years of age, extending its coverage
beyond schools and colleges to include those outside the formal education system. According to PTI, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood announced the proposed initiative on Wednesday, November 11, after reviewing the policy. The framework will cover CM SHRI schools, government and government-aided schools, private educational institutions, higher education institutions and children with special needs. The initiative aims to create an environment where children and young people can discuss their emotional and psychological concerns openly, without fear of judgement or social stigma. Psychometric Assessments For School Staff An important feature of the proposed policy is its focus on making mental well-being a shared responsibility across the school environment, rather than limiting it to teachers and classroom interactions. According to a government statement, provisions for psychometric assessments of teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as transport personnel who regularly interact with children, have also been reviewed. The government has prepared special handbooks to strengthen emotional awareness and encourage responsible engagement with children. These handbooks include structured questions, practical exercises and activities aimed at helping adults understand and respond to children's emotional needs. The policy will be formally launched on November 19, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in the presence of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Mental Well-Being Beyond Academic Performance Emphasising the need to integrate emotional well-being into the education system, Sood said, "We must look at education beyond classrooms, textbooks and examination results. Every child deserves an environment where they feel safe, heard and understood. Mental well-being should not be a conversation that begins only when a child is facing a crisis." He added that the government wants to build a culture in which children can express their emotions and seek support without hesitation. The initiative is part of the Delhi government's broader approach to holistic education, with an emphasis on developing confidence, resilience and overall well-being alongside academic performance. The proposed policy also seeks to extend support to young people who are not enrolled in educational institutions, recognising that emotional and psychological well-being concerns are not restricted to students attending schools or colleges. (With PTI inputs)
