Nagpur: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked all affiliated schools to integrate and widely disseminate National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS) on campus. The board is urging schools for visible display of helpline numbers and referrals so that students can access the free and confidential support round the clock.

In a recent circular, the board framed the move as part of a larger push to make care accessible, stigma-free, and youth-friendly, and asked heads of institutions to ensure action on part of staff, students, and parents.

Tele-MANAS offers a 24×7 helpline staffed by trained mental health professionals and now includes a video consultation platform for real-time private interaction. Besides, a mobile app is available in Hindi and English, with more regional languages planned. Since its launch on October 10, 2022, the programme has handled over 23 lakh calls through 53 dedicated cells, with services currently available in 20 languages.

Schools have been told to prominently display the Tele-MANAS numbers — 14416 and 1800-891-4416 — and QR code for the app at locations frequented by students. CBSE also wants mental health awareness and Tele-MANAS information carried in school newsletters, student handbooks, and announced at assemblies and parent-teacher meetings to normalise help-seeking.

Age-appropriate, peer-led health activities have been encouraged in collaboration with existing school programmes under Samagra Shiksha or PM SHRI Schools, with the emphasis on early identification, empathetic response, and clear pathways to care.