The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has suggested that the state government create seats for counsellors in all schools to fill the "huge mental health gap" created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel has urged for the states counselling program to be made available to all citizens. Currently, just 85 counsellors handle 295 schools in the Goa Educational Development Corporation (GEDC) system.

According to Commission Chairperson Mr. Peter Borges, because children spend most of their time at school, their problems can be discovered, addressed, and remedied through therapy. He noted that these students are at a vulnerable age and require a haven, i.e., a neutral and non-judgmental counsellor who understands their sentiments and helps them negotiate their emotions.

Mr. Borges also stated that school counselling services should be increased but that counsellors should not be used in place of teachers. He suggested that the government release an advisory advising that school administrators should engage counsellors in decision-making, which is now dominated by teachers.

He also urged the GEDC to update the SOP for the scheme so that the counsellors have a clearer understanding of the tasks they should undertake, such as preventive education and prompt reporting of abuse instances, resulting in better mental health outcomes. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/huge-mental-health-gap-in-kids-since-covid-child-rights-panel-to-govt/99547814 )