Schools pay little attention to CBSE norms

In the year 2002, Central Board of Secondary Education had issued plans for employing full - time counselors in all schools. Subsequent to this, the education department appointed 26 counselors on contractual basis. Even though it has been 12 years now, out of 107 schools, 52 schools have counselors & that too on the contractual basis, which do not assist students at the time of admissions. Parents & students are left with no alternative but to opt for a career option on their own with no counselor to direct them. Same is the state of affairs with private schools as there are only 10 schools, out of 87 schools, that have counselors to guide students and parents.

Regional officer, R J Khanderao said, "As per CBSE guiding principles, it is necessary for every CBSE school to acclimatize the thought of a school counselor for the advantage of the students & parents. Though it is obligatory & if a school does not follow it or if a parent faces problem & criticize us, then we can take some action."

As per the board counselors, having counseling cell for students is very significant either for career counseling or for relationship counseling & to manage those cells counselors are necessary. CBSE board counselor & principal, Rakesh Sachdeva, said, "Having counselors is essential, but if schools do not comply with the guidelines, prompt action should be taken so that they tag along the norms stringently.

Another board principal and counsellor, Madhu Behl stated, "I do not comprehend how schools contract without counselors. Be it a government school or private, there ought to be a counselor, no matter he or she is a part time counselor or regular counselor".

Even though there is an analysis recognized as the Student Global Index test which is carried out by the CBSE board to help children make a decision about the field to opt for, but it is elective for the schools & students.

Jitender Verma, a resident, said, "I wanted my daughter to decide the field as per her skills and talent, but regrettably there was no counselor to direct us. So eventually, I had to take her to a private company, which counsels students on career basis".