‘Manas’ Project to Strengthen Children’s Mental Health – State Child Rights Commission Chairman Dr. Sanjay Puranik

Mumbai, April 2026 : The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, in collaboration with Manmukt Foundation, will launch a special campaign focused on children’s mental health under the initiative ‘Manas Project – Safe Childhood, Prosperous Maharashtra’. The project will be implemented on a pilot basis in 10 districts across the state, informed Commission Chairman Dr. Sanjay Puranik through a press release.

The project has been initiated in response to rising stress, depression, and mental challenges among students due to increasing competition and pressure. It will adopt a comprehensive approach to safeguard students’ mental well-being, with active participation from parents and teachers. The districts for the pilot phase will be finalized soon.

The project will focus on developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, stress management, decision-making ability, and leadership skills among students. A structured curriculum tailored to different age groups—from Class 1 to Class 12—will be designed under the guidance of psychologists, education experts, and counselors. The program will emphasize activity-based learning and experiential methods.

Training sessions on “conscious parenting” and communication skills will be conducted for parents, while teachers will receive training in emotional support and classroom management. This year-long initiative is expected to boost students’ confidence, positivity, and emotional stability, while also fostering a stress-free and collaborative environment in schools.

Following the successful implementation of the pilot phase, the project will be gradually expanded to other districts across the state. Efforts will also be made to integrate mental health into the school education system, Dr. Puranik added. The Commission has appealed to schools, parents, and teachers to actively participate in the initiative.