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Journalism of Courage
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is making significant progress in student mental health through its pioneering MITRA (Mental health Initiative for promoTion, pRevention, and redressAl) program, which has been implemented in 96 primary schools and has reached about 40,000 students from classes 1 to 8, officials said today.
The initiative, launched at a critical time when young students are facing unique social and emotional challenges, provides trained counsellors who visit schools weekly, offering guidance on stress management, bullying, health and hygiene, along with effective study skills, the civic administration said.
These counselors, or ‘dadas’ and ‘tais’, have quickly become trusted figures, providing a neutral and non-judgmental presence for students to confide in about the difficulties they face, whether in school or at home. Students look forward to their sessions, often requesting more frequent visits from the counsellors. This enthusiasm among students highlights the initiative’s importance, as PCMC officials recognise that offering support at the primary level can help foster resilience and emotional health from an early age, officials said.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “Today’s young students face unique and often challenging pressures. With MITRA, we’re giving them a safe space to develop life skills and address their emotional needs. We are proud to be the only corporation to lead such a comprehensive programme focused on both mental health and value-based education in schools.”
The MITRA initiative not only provides individual and group counselling but also integrates lessons in empathy, compassion and responsibility through activities like poster competitions, elocution and teamwork-based projects. PCMC’s counsellors work with teachers and parents, guiding them on how to support social and emotional growth of students. Teachers, too, report positive changes in the classroom as they benefit from having a mental health professional to consult on student concerns and behavioral strategies.
“Having a counselor has helped us understand our students’ needs better and created a more inclusive, positive atmosphere in our classrooms,” shared a teacher involved in the programme.
PCMC has extended mental health support to its secondary schools through a partnership with the mental health organisation Sangath. The program currently covers 19 secondary schools, reaching over 5,500 students in classes 9 and 10.
Funded by Bajaj Finance (CSR), this initiative equips older students with strategies to manage academic pressures, bullying, and family issues, while offering tailored sessions on mental health and self-care. The program has been transformative for students, helping them gain confidence and improve their academic focus.
