Context

Ministry of Human Resource Development launched ‘Manodarpan’ initiative for mental health and counselling of students.

About

• It aims to provide psychosocial support and counseling to students for their mental health and well- being.
• Under this initiative, the minister launched a toll-free national helpline number - 8448440632, a website of Manodarpan and a handbook on 21^st-century life skills for the students of the school, college, and universities.
• Manodarpan comprises of the following components:
  • Advisory guidelines
  • Web page
  • National level database and directory of counselors
  • National Toll-free helpline number
  • Interactive online chat option
• Manodarpan is an initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
• Need for such an initiative:
  • COVID -19 pandemic is not only a serious medical concern but also has brought mixed emotions and psycho-social stress for all.
  • With a specific focus on children and adolescents, there are emerging mental health concerns that are often reported in such situations.
  • Children and adolescents may be more vulnerable and may experience a heightened level of stress, anxiety, and fearfulness, along with a range of other emotional and behavioural issues.
• Manodarpan is going to help children as well as their parents in facing a tense situation in life including COVID 19 pandemic induced lockdown and its effects on academics.