SHILLONG, May 10: The Congress party has raised concerns about the state government’s recent initiative to train primary school teachers to counsel students on drug abuse, arguing that it could inadvertently add to the burdens of already overworked educators. MPCC Secretary Manuel Badwar expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness and fairness of this approach, highlighting that it could contribute to the undervaluation of trained psychology professionals.
Badwar emphasized that drug counselling is a specialized field requiring not just theoretical knowledge but also the emotional intelligence and practical experience gained through extensive training. Psychology graduates, particularly those pursuing postgraduate studies, undergo rigorous education in human behavior, mental health disorders, counselling strategies, and therapeutic practices. Many invest years in internships and clinical training, and suggesting that a brief training course could equip teachers to handle sensitive issues compromises the quality of care that students need.
Furthermore, Badwar underscored the troubling backdrop of high unemployment among educated youth in Meghalaya. Thousands of individuals with advanced degrees in psychology are seeking opportunities to contribute to society, yet the decision to employ primary school teachers—often already stretched thin—limits job prospects for these professionals. This shift sends a discouraging message to those who have invested heavily in their education, indicating that their expertise may not be valued.
The Congress leader raised additional logistical and ethical concerns regarding how teachers would receive this training. Questions lingered about the format and content of training programs, including what depth of understanding teachers would gain regarding substance abuse, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention. He pointed out the inherent risk of burnout among teachers who would be compelled to juggle multiple roles, potentially compromising the quality of care for at-risk youth.
Moreover, Badwar cautioned against the normalization of the belief that anyone can serve as a counsellor. He asserted that counselling is not merely an ancillary skill but a specialized discipline that demands adherence to ethical standards and evidence-based practices. Assigning this responsibility to untrained individuals, regardless of their good intentions, could lead to adverse outcomes for vulnerable populations.
He advocated for a more comprehensive policy that appropriately utilizes qualified psychology graduates. Rather than redistributing responsibilities to overburdened school staff, the government should prioritize creating dedicated counselling positions within educational institutions and social welfare sectors. This approach would not only enhance the quality of mental health interventions but also provide viable employment avenues for trained professionals in the field.
MEGHALAYA
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/11/cong-urges-govt-to-appoint-trained-psychologists-not-burden-teachers/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-11 02:21:00
