JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, today emphasised the pivotal role of teachers and school management committees in ensuring children’s psychosocial well-being and safeguarding.
The Minister was addressing a training programme held for the Teachers and School Management Committees on Psychosocial Support and Child Safeguarding, at Government Higher Secondary School, Dhakhar in Chamb Constituency.
He highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for the students to thrive. He stressed that teachers are key to shape young minds and urged them to be vigilant about students’ mental health.
The programme was organised by the National Development Foundation (NDF), Jammu, in collaboration with the School Education Department, under the Parivartan Small Grants Programme 2025–26, supported by HDFC Bank.
Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma said that schools are not merely centres of academic learning but also safe spaces where children’s emotional, psychological and social development must be nurtured. He stressed that teachers play a pivotal role in identifying early signs of stress, trauma or vulnerability among the students and responding with sensitivity and responsibility.
The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment towards creating a secure and inclusive environment for the children, particularly those in difficult circumstances. He added that capacity-building initiatives like this training programme strengthen the institutional framework for child protection and promote a culture of care, empathy and vigilance within schools.
Satish Sharma also appreciated the efforts of the National Development Foundation and partner organisations for working closely with the School Education Department to empower educators and community stakeholders. He called for sustained collaboration between the government departments, civil society organisations and financial institutions to ensure holistic child welfare.
Officials from the School Education Department, representatives of NDF, teachers, members of School Management Committees and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.
The programme focused on equipping the participants with practical tools and knowledge to address psychosocial challenges faced by the children and implement effective child safeguarding mechanisms at the school level.
On the occasion, the Minister also distributed interactive learning panels (Smart Classrooms) among four schools and provided sports material to four schools located in the border areas of Chthe amb constituency. The initiative was aimed at strengthening the educational infrastructure and promoting physical fitness among the students in remote regions.