Future tense: Helplines ring on in Mumbai

Even as the state education board helplines are flooded with calls from students facing exam-related stress, the counsellors and volunteers manning the phone lines were surprised to get a few calls regarding next year’s board examinations and even professional courses.

Most of these calls were from concerned parents who felt that their children were “just not studying enough”. They also asked for tips on how to prepare their children for next year’s board exams, said counsellors. 

Dr Vani K, one of the counsellors at the state board helpline, said: “I have attended a few calls that were not really related to the ongoing board examinations.

Though we are professional counsellors, it is not proper to attempt to direct a troubled student for which we are not authorised to on the given numbers. But, as the callers were genuine, I directed them to the proper channels where they could find solutions."

Dr Vani said she has also taken a call from a class 8 student who was confused about higher education and careers.
“I also got a call from an engineering student who was confused about his degree and career. We direct such calls to the proper channels where their problems can be solved,” Dr Vani added.

In spite of receiving calls that were not connected with the ongoing board exams, the counsellors did not find them a “nuisance” and tried their best to help the callers.

Shailaja Mulay, another counsellor on the state board helpline, said: "I got callers asking information and guidance about different Common Entrance Tests, cut-off marks and career options. Being a professional career counsellor, I can cater to such queries.”

“When such a service is available, students and parents want to make use of it for better guidance; and if they think that the state board helpline number is for all these queries as well, I do not actually mind helping them,” she added.