In a proactive move to address the rising stress levels among students and parents during exam seasons, the Pune Divisional Office of the Maharashtra State Board Of Secondary and Higher Education has launched a free helpline service. The helpline, designed for students in class 10th and 12th and their parents, provides guidance and counseling support to navigate the challenges of academic pressure.
To access assistance, individuals can dial the alternative helpline numbers: 9423042627 and 7038752972. Ten dedicated counselors are available to offer support, with their contact details easily accessible to students and parents in the Pune division, covering Pune, Ahmednagar, and Solapur. The helpline operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, remaining active throughout the examination period.
The initiative aims to address concerns related to exam stress and performance anxiety, recognizing the impact of academic pressure on the mental and emotional well-being of students. Audumbar Ukirade, emphasizing the importance of such programs, stated, “Sometimes, despite adequate preparation, students find themselves overwhelmed during examinations, leading to extreme measures like suicide. The pervasive pressure from teachers and parents, fueled by intense competition, exacerbates the situation. Hence, we initiated these helplines to furnish students and parents with essential mental and emotional assistance.”
The helpline has already witnessed a significant influx of calls, particularly before and after challenging examinations, underscoring the critical need for support mechanisms to address the mental health challenges associated with academic stress.
