High-risk students identified, support team in each dist: Ma Su

CHENNAI: “As many as 110 psychologists and psychiatrists gave counselling to 1.42 lakh candidates who appeared for the NEET examination this year in Tamil Nadu. Ever since the exam started, frequent counselling has been provided for students, of which 564 were identified in the high-risk category,” said Tamil Nadu health minister Ma Subramanian on Wednesday.

Of the total number of students registered in the State, at least 17,517 candidates were from government and government-aided schools in the state. “While counselling, 564 students were identified as high-risk, and provided additional support. And 96 students have been recognised by the District Mental Health Advisory Committee for continuous observation,” he added.

Subramanian averred that a team consisting of District Education Officer and District Mental Health Consultants has been formed in all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu on behalf of the National Welfare Committee to monitor the students.

“Teachers have been instructed to monitor students and advised to coordinate with the district mental health committees to assist stressed-out students,” he pointed out. “Based on the information received, the committee will contact the concerned student and parents to provide them the necessary counselling.

Additionally, career guidance is provided to students who have not passed the NEET exams. “The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has been constantly demanding the Union Government to give exemption from NEET. The decision in this regard is currently to be taken by the President and the Ministry of Home Affairs,” said the health minister.