Coimbatore: Amid rising incidents of sexual crimes against schoolgirls in Tamil Nadu, educationists and psychologists have called for the appointment of permanent psychological counsellors in all schools across the state.

Parents and educators have expressed concern over the increasing instances of sexual harassment involving schoolchildren, and stressed the need to revive the previously implemented mobile psychological counselling centre project. They urged the government to bring back into use the vehicles procured for the scheme, which are reportedly lying idle.

A government school teacher said psychological and gender equality awareness are part of the curriculum, but many teachers are unable to cover these topics due to time constraints. Appointing full-time counsellors would help students deal with online safety issues, drug abuse, and sexual misconduct, the teacher said.

Tamil Nadu Psychology Association President Dr Balamurugan said students from economically weaker and middle-income backgrounds form the majority in government schools, and are often exposed to social and psychological stressors that may lead them astray.

“There is an urgent need to appoint full-time psychological counsellors in all schools. We have raised this demand with the government on multiple occasions, but no concrete steps have been taken so far,” he said.