Maharashtra launches statewide plan for child mental wellbeing

The Maharashtra government has signed a key agreement to strengthen mental health support for children across the stateAn official statement said that the initiative has been taken under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis with a focus on building a more inclusive and accessible mental health systemThe statersquos Public Health Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with Eklavya Foundation for Mental HealthThe agreement aims to expand mental health services for children through communitybased programmes and structured support systemsFocus on emotional wellbeing of childrenSpeaking on the initiative Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that childrenrsquos mental health is a key foundation for the statersquos futureHe added that the programme will help children develop confidence emotional strength and a positive outlook towards lifeStatewide implementation planThe programme will be rolled out across all districts in Maharashtra through the caregiverled selfhelp groups and offline and digital support systemsAwareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health the statement saidIt said that it will also provide support to families and caregivers ensuring a more holistic approach to mental healthcareIntegration with existing health programmesThe initiative will be implemented in coordination with the District Mental Health Programme DMHP ensuring better reach and efficiencyOfficials said the programme will help improve awareness accessibility and quality of mental health services across the stateThreeyear agreementThe MoU will remain in effect for three years during which the government aims to significantly strengthen mental healthcare systems for childrenThe agreement was signed in the presence of senior officials including Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Prakash Abitkar Dr Nipun Vinayak Principal Secretary Health Dr Kadambari Balkawade Health Services Commissioner and the representatives from the Eklavya FoundationMaharashtra plans stricter rules for safer school transportMeanwhilewith GPS tracking CCTVs and fee controls Maharashtra government has announced plans to introduce stricter and more comprehensive regulations to improve the safety transparency and accountability of school transportMaharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that the proposed rules aim to prioritise the safety of school children across the stateThe draft notification proposes the implementation of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles School Bus Regulation First Amendment Rules 2026 Citizens have been invited to submit objections and suggestions within 15 days of the notification an official statement said on SaturdayUnder the proposed rules school bus fares will be fixed by the Regional Transport Authority Schools and operators will only be allowed to charge monthly fees Collecting lumpsum advance payments will not be permitted providing financial relief to parentsEvery school will be required to form a schoolTransport Committee This committee will address complaints related to fees safety and service quality It will also be mandatory for the committee to submit quarterly reportsMandatory use of modern safety technologyAll school buses and vans must be fitted with GPSbased Vehicle Location Tracking Devices VLTD and panic buttons In addition fire detection and alarm systems FDAS CCTV cameras and seat belts for all seats will be compulsory the statement saidA digital safety monitoring system will be required in every vehicle This system will allow live tracking digital attendance automated alerts and direct communication with parents It will also be integrated with a statelevel monitoring platform it saidDaily attendance of students including boarding and dropoff times must be recorded For preprimary and primary students up to Class 5 a women attendant or authorised staff member must be present during every journey the statement further saidThe rules include provisions for children with disabilities or special needs This includes trained staff accessible transport arrangements and where necessary the presence of parents or teachers