What Is Khushishala? Rajasthan Becomes First State To Launch Mental Health Programme for Primary School Students

Rajasthan has become the first state in India to introduce a structured mental health and well-being programme for primary school students with the launch of the 'Khushishala' initiative. The programme, currently being implemented in around 1,500 government schools, aims to improve children's emotional well-being, social skills and resilience through activity-based learning.

The initiative has been developed by the Rajasthan State Council of Educational Research and Training (RSCERT) for students from Classes 1 to 5. It focuses on creating a positive school environment where children can develop emotional awareness, confidence and essential life skills from an early age.

What Is Khushishala?

Khushishala is a school-based mental health and well-being programme designed to strengthen children's emotional resilience, improve social-emotional learning and help them manage stress in healthy ways. Instead of relying only on academics, the programme integrates interactive activities, games and classroom exercises that encourage children to express emotions, build relationships and develop problem-solving skills. Student Suicide in India: 98 Students Died by Suicide in Central Universities and Other Educational Institutes in Last Five Years, Says Education Ministry.

The initiative also equips teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to recognise and respond to students' emotional needs effectively.

Why Is A Mental Health Programme Needed In Schools?

Mental health experts have long emphasised the importance of addressing emotional well-being during childhood. According to the research paper 'School Mental Health Program in India: Issues and Possible Practical Solutions' by Vijaya Raman and Shanti Thomas, nearly 13 per cent of children and adolescents worldwide experience significant mental health problems, with many conditions beginning before the age of 25. IIT Delhi Student Found Dead in Hostel Room at New Vindhyachal Apartments, Probe Underway.

Since children spend a major part of their day in schools, educators believe schools are among the best places to identify emotional challenges early and provide timely support.

What Does The Programme Include?

Under Khushishala, teachers undergo a three-day classroom training programme followed by a 21-day audio-based learning course. The training covers emotional awareness, stress recognition, relationship building and overall well-being.

Teachers also receive specially designed handbooks and mobile-based learning resources to conduct age-appropriate classroom activities that promote emotional development among students.

Pilot Project Delivered Encouraging Results

Before the statewide rollout, the programme was piloted in Rajasthan's Sirohi and Banswara districts in 2024. According to RSCERT Director Shweta Fagediya, the pilot involved 120 teachers and recorded a 53 per cent improvement in students' socio-emotional skills. Among girls, the improvement reached 69 per cent.

Officials also observed stronger teacher-student relationships, better emotional development and reduced academic stress, while children reportedly became more engaged in learning through interactive activities.

What's Next?

Following the pilot's success, RSCERT expanded teacher training across the state. More than 1,300 teachers from District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) have already been trained, and the government plans to train 11,305 teachers at the panchayat level.

The programme will also be extended to 649 PM SHRI schools. Once the training is completed, over 12,000 schools in Rajasthan are expected to have at least one teacher trained to implement Khushishala activities, significantly expanding access to mental health and well-being education for young students.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2026 12:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).