Experts Counselling and Grievance Redressal in TG's Residential Schools

Hyderabad: Although state-run residential welfare institutions have grievance boxes for students to share their problems and teachers to counsel them, many experts opine that these measures are not effective enough as grievances should be addressed on a daily basis.

With suicides becoming a regular feature in residential schools, the Telangana Commission for Backward Classes has sought a status report on such suicides in the wake of a recent incident in Vikarabad district where a student of Class 10 student had attempted to die by suicide at the social welfare residential school, Kottagadi.

A committee was formed to inquire into the incident which identified several factors behind the incident, including emotional sensitivity, academic struggles, disciplinary measures, and a triggering event.

The committee observed that mainstream disciplinary approaches may not work for emotionally sensitive students and recommended professional counselling instead.

It also suggested installing a complaint or grievance box where students can anonymously share concerns. These complaints should be reviewed regularly, with serious matters escalated to the district collector for appropriate action.

Other recommendations included professional counselling for sensitive students and a strong internal inquiry mechanism to investigate serious incidents and implement corrective measures.

Experts noted that though complaint boxes and counselling facilities have been provided the implementation part was lacking.

“Giving students relief from severe stress, the academic institutions have to conduct recreational activities regularly apart from stress-reducing programs,” said Dr. K Ravikanth Rao, an officer from the State Institute of Educational Technology.

Teachers have to be trained to identify early warning signs of emotional distress and provide emotional support, he added.

There are five general, BC, SC, ST and minority welfare residential societies in the state that cover 967 residential schools.

“Nearly 625 institutions are running in private buildings with no proper infrastructure,” said K. Narendar Reddy, president of Telangana social welfare residential teachers and employees association (TSWRTEA).

He said institutions have to “foster a friendly atmosphere between students and teachers and there should be regular parent-teacher meetings.” He also noted that due to long school hours, students, especially girls, are skipping breakfast, which is leading to an unhealthy lifestyle and causing stress.

A school education faculty, who sought anonymity, stated, “Principals are responsible for opening the complaint box every day. Delays will lead to serious consequences.”

GFX

Based on a report by Vikarabad collector Prateek Jain, the Telangana Commission for Backward Classes has issued three recommendations for students in welfare schools

1. Installing a complaint box

2. Hold professional counselling for emotional and sensitive students

3. Institute a strong inquiry mechanism to investigate serious incidents.