Budget 2026-27 Boosts Mental Health Funding, Aims for Economic Powerhouse

Union Minister JP Nadda hailed the Union Budget 2026-27 as a visionary document with a special emphasis on mental health and combating mental illness. He highlighted the allocation of over ₹1.5 lakh crore to the healthcare sector, a significant increase from the previous year. The budget includes plans to upgrade psychiatric institutes and establish a new NIMHANS in North India. Presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the budget aims to propel India towards becoming a global economic power while focusing on youth, farmers, and women.

Key Points: Budget 2026 Focus: Mental Health & Economic Growth

  • Over ₹1.5 lakh crore for health sector
  • Special focus on mental health initiatives
  • Aims to establish India as top economic power
  • Budget for youth, farmers, and women
  • Strengthens healthcare infrastructure
3 min read

"Budget has special focus on mental health and combating mental illness..." Union Minister JP Nadda

Union Budget 2026-27 allocates over ₹1.5L cr to health, with special focus on mental illness. Nadda calls it a visionary, youth-centric budget.

"This budget places a special focus on mental health and combating mental illness, which is a welcome step... - JP Nadda"

New Delhi, February 1

Union Minister JP Nadda on Sunday called the Union Budget 2026-27 "visionary," underlining that it has a special focus on mental health and combating mental illness.

Nadda praised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time, saying that it aims to direct the nation to economic development and stability.

"The Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a visionary budget that aims to give a new direction to the pace of the country's economic development, committed to the goal of a welfare-oriented and developed India..." he said.

Nadda said that the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat Budget," which is focused on the youth of the country, will take the nation to become one of the world's largest economic powers.

"This is an all-inclusive and comprehensive budget that will contribute to establishing India as one of the world's largest economic powers. This is a budget for the youth power of the country. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to PM Modi, FM Nirmala Sitharaman, and their entire team for this historic Atmanirbhar Bharat budget..." he added.

The Union Minister stressed that the centre is committed to making the healthcare sector more affordable, highlighting that over Rs. 1.5 lakh crore of funding has been allocated towards the healthcare sector, which is at least 9 per cent more than the previous year.

"The government's commitment to making healthcare services accessible to every citizen is evident from the fact that the budget for the health sector has increased by 176 per cent in the last 12 years. This year's allocation of over Rs. 1.5 lakh crore for the health sector is approximately 9 per cent more than last year's budget. This budget places a special focus on mental health and combating mental illness, which is a welcome step..." he stated.

"The upgradation of the Central Institute of Psychiatry in Ranchi and Tezpur, and the announcement of the establishment of a new NIMHANS in North India are commendable. The establishment of the World Health Organisation Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is a matter of pride for every Indian..." he added.

Earlier today, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget in the Lok Sabha

The budget focuses on increasing farmers' income, providing employment to youth, promoting MSMEs and startups, empowering women, providing relief to the middle class, and ensuring social security for senior citizens, thereby benefiting every section of society.

The provisions made in sectors such as healthcare, services, manufacturing, semiconductors, textiles, pharma, digital governance, education, and skill development will strengthen India's global competitiveness and help achieve the goal of "Developed India 2047."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs. 1.5 lakh crore for health is impressive on paper. But the real test is how much actually reaches the grassroots for mental health clinics in smaller towns and villages. Hope the implementation is as strong as the announcement.
A
Arjun K
Aatmanirbhar Bharat should also mean being self-reliant in mental wellness. Integrating traditional medicine with modern psychiatry, as mentioned with the Jamnagar centre, is a brilliant and uniquely Indian approach. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As someone who has worked in the social sector, I welcome the focus. However, we need a massive awareness campaign to reduce the stigma. Budget for infrastructure is one thing, changing mindsets is another.
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Vikram M
Good step by the government. Mental health issues are rising in our fast-paced lives. Upgrading institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur is crucial for the eastern and northeastern regions. Hope they also train more counselors.
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Kavya N
This is heartening to see. For years, mental health was a taboo subject in Indian families. Allocating funds specifically for it signals a major societal shift. Hope it translates to affordable therapy for the common person.

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