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Tele MANAS Milestone: Over 29 Lakh Calls Reveal India's Mental Health Push

The government's Tele MANAS initiative has handled a massive volume of calls, showing a clear need for accessible mental health support. This effort is part of a broader national programme reaching hundreds of districts. Alongside, dedicated services for women's safety and stress are being expanded across the country. These steps aim to provide care and rehabilitation, moving away from penal action for those in severe distress.

Key Points: Tele MANAS Cells Handle 29 Lakh Calls Says Savitri Thakur

  • National Tele Mental Health Programme launched in Oct 2022 to improve counselling access
  • Services available in 20 languages across 36 States and UTs
  • District Mental Health Programme active in 767 districts nationwide
  • Over 12.67 lakh women assisted by One Stop Centres as of Sept 2025
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Over 29 lakh phone calls handled by Tele MANAS Cells: Savitri Thakur

Over 29.82 lakh mental health calls handled by 53 Tele MANAS Cells across India, as govt expands support services for women's safety and stress management.

"More than 29,82,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number - Savitri Thakur, MoS Women and Child Development"

New Delhi, Dec 13

More than 29.82 lakh phone calls have been handled by 53 Tele MANAS Cells, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said, reiterating the government’s commitment to prevent, mitigate and manage stress among women across sectors.

The government launched the “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on October 10, 2022, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country, said the MoS.

As of November 27, 2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are available in 20 languages based on the language opted by the states.

“More than 29,82,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number,” she said in response to a question in Lok Sabha on Friday.

To address the burden of mental disorders, the Central government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country.

The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission.

Facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels, inter alia, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services and ambulance services, the MoS said.

The Central government gives the highest priority to the safety and security of women and girls and has taken several steps to assist the State Governments/ UT Administrations. These include operationalisation of helplines such as Women Helpline -181, Child Helpline - 1098 and Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), concept of Zero FIR and e-FIR under the new criminal laws and provision of institutional support to the survivors, said the MoS.

Further, the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 is an act to provide for mental healthcare and services for persons with mental illness and to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of such persons during delivery of mental healthcare and services and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The Act also decriminalises attempts to die by suicide, thereby recognising that persons under severe stress require care and rehabilitation rather than penal action, and provides for registration and regulation of mental health establishments and oversight mechanisms to improve the quality and availability of services.

Recognising that gender-based violence, harassment and insecurity are major drivers of psychological trauma and chronic stress among women, the Government has established multiple mechanisms to provide immediate protection, holistic support and long-term rehabilitation, said the statement.

It provides integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence and those in distress, both in private and public spaces.

It also provides an integrated range of services, including medical aid, legal aid and advice, temporary shelter, police assistance, and psycho-social counselling to needy women.

As many as 864 OSCs are operational across the country, and over 12.67 lakh women have been assisted up to September 30, 2025.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Nearly 30 lakh calls handled is an impressive number. It shows the sheer scale of the need. Hope the quality of counselling is maintained as the volume grows. The decriminalisation of suicide attempts under the 2017 Act was a crucial first step.
A
Anjali F
While the numbers look good on paper, the real test is in rural and semi-urban areas. Are people there even aware of these services? And 864 OSCs for the entire country seems insufficient. The intent is good, but ground-level implementation needs more focus.
D
David E
As someone who has worked in public health, integrating mental health services at the PHC and CHC level through DMHP is the right approach. It destigmatizes seeking help. The key will be sustained funding and training for frontline workers.
S
Shreya B
The link made between gender-based violence and mental trauma is so important. Often, women suffer in silence. Having integrated support under one roof at OSCs for medical, legal, and counselling help can be life-saving. Hope more districts get these centres soon.
K
Karthik V
Good to see a coordinated effort with 181, 1098, and 112. In an emergency, knowing which number to call is half the battle. Public awareness campaigns are now needed so that every woman and girl knows these numbers by heart.

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