13/04/2026
As a Mental Wellness Counsellor and someone deeply connected with children’s emotional journeys, I feel this needs to be said.
A school counsellor’s role is often misunderstood.They are hired for mental health support—but slowly pulled into discipline, administration, and event management. And somewhere, the core purpose gets diluted.
For years, this role has existed in a grey area in India—valued, yet not fully understood.
But I truly appreciate the recent push by CBSE towards clarity and structure.
The focus is finally shifting towards: ✔ Full-time, trained counsellors
✔ Student socio-emotional well-being
✔ Clear distinction between counselling and career guidance
This is not just a guideline—it is a much-needed change in mindset.
Because mental health is not an “extra duty.”
It is the foundation of education.
Let’s recognise, respect, and strengthen the role of school counsellors—because every child deserves to be heard, understood, and supported.
– Nivedita Satpathy