ANANTNAG, FEBRUARY 17: In a landmark initiative aimed at reinforcing student safety and promoting holistic development, the Chief Education Office (CEO), Anantnag successfully organized a comprehensive One-Day Awareness cum Sensitization Program on “Road Safety Measures” along with an intensive Training Session on “Safeguarding of Mental Well-being of Students” at the Auditorium of Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School Bijbehara.
The programme was conducted for Teacher Counsellors, HOIs, and key educational stakeholders from across District Anantnag.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Education Officer, Anantnag delivered a comprehensive and inspiring address, highlighting the dual responsibility of schools in ensuring both physical safety and psychological well-being of students. He urged all HOIs and Teacher Counsellors to strictly enforce road safety norms within and outside school premises, conduct sustained awareness drives, promote student-led safety campaigns, and institutionalize structured counselling frameworks.
He further stressed that safeguarding the mental well-being of students, particularly adolescents navigating complex social and emotional transitions, is not merely desirable but an educational imperative in today’s rapidly evolving environment.
The District Education Planning Officer, Anantnag underscored the alarming rise in road accidents involving youth and the growing mental health challenges among adolescents. He emphasized that educational institutions must serve as catalysts in shaping responsible road users while fostering emotionally resilient learners.
The technical session was conducted by experts from Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police (Unit Anantnag), and the ARTO Office Anantnag. Detailed presentations were delivered on critical road safety measures including compliance with traffic rules, mandatory helmet and seatbelt usage, prevention of underage driving, pedestrian safety practices, road signage awareness, and the proactive role of educational institutions in minimizing road mishaps.
On the occasion, topper students of the online essay writing and painting competitions on Road Safety Measures were felicitated, recognizing their creativity and commitment towards promoting a culture of responsible road use.
Real-life case studies and district-level statistical insights were shared to sensitize participants about the gravity of traffic violations and the urgent need for collective vigilance.
The another session focused on mental health and student well-being. Experts from Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir and Sub-District Hospital Bijbehara, conducted comprehensive and interactive deliberations. The sessions covered adolescent development, emotional vulnerabilities, stress management, behavioural concerns, early identification of anxiety and depression, crisis response mechanisms, and the importance of empathetic and confidential counselling practices within schools.
