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Tele-MANAS Helpline: How 30 Lakh Calls Reveal India's Mental Health Crisis

India's Tele-MANAS mental health helpline has become a critical lifeline, handling a staggering 29.75 lakh calls. This surge comes against a grim backdrop of student suicides increasing by 65% over a decade. In response, the government has launched multiple initiatives, including the Manodarpan program and a dedicated National Task Force. These efforts aim to provide psychological support and address the complex causes behind the mental health crisis.

Key Points: Tele-MANAS Mental Health Helpline Handles 29.7 Lakh Calls

  • Over 29.75 lakh calls received on the national Tele-MANAS toll-free helpline since 2022
  • Student suicides rose 65% from 2013 to 2023, per NCRB data
  • A National Task Force formed to analyze causes of student suicides
  • 53 Tele-MANAS cells operational across 36 states and union territories
2 min read

Tele-MANAS mental health helpline handles over 29.7 lakh calls since 2022

India's national tele-mental health program has fielded over 29.75 lakh calls since 2022, amid rising student suicide rates and government interventions.

"More than 29,75,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number. – Dr. Sukanta Majumdar"

New Delhi, Dec 1

The Tele MANAS toll-free number, launched as part of the national tele-mental health programme in India, has received more than 29, 75, 000 calls since its launch in 2022 till mid-March 2025, the Parliament was informed on Monday.

Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, spoke about suicide cases of students, especially in the IITs, and the programmes initiated in the country to address mental health issues.

Under the National Tele Mental Health Programme, 36 States and UTs have set up 53 Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (MANAS) Cells till July 17.

“More than 29,75,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number,” the Minister said.

Majumdar noted that to address the issue of suicide in young adults, the government is taking multi-pronged measures and provides psychological support to students, teachers, and families for mental and emotional well-being to avoid incidences of suicide.

He stated that the government has also constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to identify predominant causes of suicides among students, analyse existing regulations, and suggest recommendations for strengthening students’ protection.

According to the 2025 report from the National Crime Records Bureau, student suicides rose from 8,423 in 2013 to 13,892 in 2023, a 65 per cent increase.

Students now account for 8.1 per cent of all suicides, up from 6.2 per cent in 2013.

“There are various causes of suicides like professional/career problems, sense of isolation, abuse, violence, family problems, mental disorders, addiction to alcohol, financial loss, chronic pain, etc.,” said Majumdar, citing the report.

He noted that the Ministry of Education's initiative called Manodarpan covers a wide range of activities to provide psychological support to students, teachers, and families for mental and emotional well-being, such as a National toll-free helpline that has been extending guidance to callers through trained counsellors.

Other measures include live interactive sessions ‘Sahyog’ and Webinars ‘Paricharcha’ that are organised regularly to create awareness about the importance of mental health among all stakeholders, students in all States/UTs, the Minister said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
29 lakh calls shows the scale of the problem. The statistics are heartbreaking. While Tele-MANAS is good, we must address the root causes - the cut-throat competition, societal pressure for specific careers, and the stigma around talking about mental health.
R
Rohit P
Good step by the government. Manodarpan, Sahyog, Paricharcha... these are all positive programs. Hope they reach every corner of the country, including rural areas. Mental health should be part of the school curriculum from an early age.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has used a helpline, I can say these services are a lifeline. It takes courage to call. I'm glad India is expanding its mental health infrastructure. The focus on students is crucial, but support is needed for all age groups.
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Vikram M
The numbers are alarming. A 65% increase in student suicides in a decade is a national crisis. While helplines are important, we need systemic change in our education system. Less rote learning, more life skills, and real career guidance.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I hope the quality of counseling matches the quantity of calls handled. It's one thing to have a number, another to have well-trained professionals who can provide meaningful, culturally-sensitive support. The proof will be in the outcomes.
A
Ananya R

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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