Over 19 lakh calls processed as India launches nationwide mental health initiative for students

Over 19.90 lakh calls have been processed under the National Tele Mental Health Program, and 53 MANAS Cells have been established across 36 states and territories as part of the Government of India’s efforts to address student suicides and rising stress levels.

Responses in the Rajya Sabha highlighted the prevalence of student suicides, which accounted for 7.6% of all suicides in 2022, as well as the government programs aimed at improving mental health.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) collects annual data on student suicides through its Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) publications.

According to the ADSI 2022 data, student suicides represented 7.6% of all suicides, a slight decrease from 8.0% in 2021 and 8.2% in 2020.

The main causes of these suicides include professional and career-related challenges, loneliness, violence, abuse, family conflicts, mental illnesses, addiction, financial hardship, and chronic illnesses.

In response, the government has implemented several initiatives to address mental health concerns, particularly among students and educators.

The Ministry of Education’s MANODARPAN initiative provides psychological support through counseling services, awareness programs, and both online and offline mental health resources.

The National Tele Mental Health program, launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to improve access to quality mental health care.

It has successfully established 53 Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (MANAS) Cells across 36 states and territories, handling over 19.90 lakh calls on its helpline.

Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines to promote mental well-being in higher education institutions (HEIs), which include promoting physical fitness, protecting against academic and peer pressure, and encouraging emotional resilience.

In July 2023, the Ministry of Education introduced a framework for emotional and mental well-being, urging HEIs to integrate mental health initiatives into their operations.

Workshops on mental wellness and stress management have been conducted at leading institutions such as IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Gandhinagar, and IIT Roorkee.

Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training program (MMTTP) aims to promote positive mental health by offering both online and in-person training, along with annual well-being conclaves.

To reduce stress caused by unregulated coaching centers, the Ministry of Education has issued guidelines requiring mental health support, counselors, and psychologists in these centers, as well as the maintenance of student records.