Essential Minimum Guidance Programme in Schools and the Roles of Personnel: A fully structured guidance program in schools ideally requires a dedicated full-time counsellor, adequate infrastructure, relevant materials (both testing and non-testing tools, informational resources), and a sufficient budget. However, when these resources are not available, schools can implement a need-based minimum guidance program. This can be efficiently handled by the Career Master or a guidance-oriented teacher who has received some in-service training in guidance techniques. Group guidance activities are particularly suitable for such programs.

The organization of a minimum guidance program involves several key steps:

1. Establishing a Guidance Committee
2. Developing an annual work plan for guidance activities
3. Conducting regular meetings of the guidance committee
4. Carrying out orientation sessions for new students
5. Implementing various group guidance activities such as:
   • Classroom talks
   • Career talks
   • Career conferences
   • Career exhibitions
   • Career visits
   • Career fairs
   • Setting up and maintaining a career corner

Formation of the Guidance Committee

When forming the guidance committee, it is important to include representatives from various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support and input. A typical committee might consist of:

• The Headmaster or Principal
• The Counsellor, Career Master, or designated Teacher
• All subject teachers
• Local government representatives (such as chairpersons or members of village panchayat or municipality)
• Members of the School Management Committee
• Representatives from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
• Heads of nearby schools
• Local healthcare professionals (such as doctors)
• Representatives from the Agriculture Department
• Members from the Industries and Commerce Department, including extension workers
• Police department representatives
• Members from voluntary service organizations like Rotary, Lions, Jaycees, and similar groups

The committee should meet once every one or two months, depending on the agenda’s complexity and urgency. It will serve as both a policy-making body and a forum for reviewing progress.

The Career Master or the teacher, supported by this committee, is responsible for preparing the school’s annual guidance program. The plan should be based on identified needs and designed so it does not interfere with the regular academic schedule.

Orientation for New Students

Orientation is crucial to help new students adjust smoothly to the school environment and feel comfortable in their studies. This can be achieved through group and individual initiatives such as assemblies, classroom talks, discussions about school rules and programs, and offering personalized support to ease the adjustment process.

Utilizing Community Resources and Personnel

The local community is a valuable asset in the guidance process. Various organizations focused on human development, like YMCA, YWCA, Scouts and Guides, Lions Club, Jaycees, Rotary, and others, contribute in different ways. Parents play the most significant role in guiding children, both individually and collectively through bodies such as the PTA or family life education classes.

Professionally trained individuals from community services—such as health workers, psychiatrists, social welfare officers, police, fire departments, industry professionals, and other civic organizations—can sometimes assist schools by acting as supplementary guidance personnel.

In general, anyone who influences students can be regarded as informal or optional guidance providers. Nevertheless, the Career Master or guidance-oriented teacher holds the primary responsibility for managing the guidance program, while community members serve as supportive resources.