Tele-MANAS Mental Health Helpline Handles Over 2.97 Million Calls Since 2022

New Delhi: The Tele-MANAS toll-free helpline, launched under India’s National Tele-Mental Health Programme, has received more than 29.75 lakh calls from its inception in 2022 up to 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, addressed concerns regarding student suicides—particularly in IITs—and highlighted the initiatives taken to strengthen mental health support across the country.

As of July 17, a total of 53 Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (MANAS) Cells have been established across 36 States and Union Territories.

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

Majumdar noted that the government is adopting multi-pronged strategies to curb suicide among young adults. These initiatives aim to provide psychological support to students, teachers, and families to promote emotional well-being and prevent suicide incidents.

He further informed that a National Task Force (NTF) has been formed to identify the major causes of student suicides, examine existing regulations, and propose measures to enhance student safety.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2025 report, student suicides increased from 8,423 in 2013 to 13,892 in 2023—a rise of 65 per cent. Students now constitute 8.1 per cent of all suicides, up from 6.2 per cent in 2013.

Majumdar cited the report, noting that the causes of suicides include professional or career-related stress, isolation, abuse, violence, family disputes, mental disorders, alcohol addiction, financial distress, chronic pain, and other factors.

He also highlighted the Ministry of Education’s Manodarpan initiative, which offers psychological support to students, teachers, and families. The programme includes a national toll-free helpline staffed by trained counsellors.

Additionally, regular live interactive sessions under ‘Sahyog’ and webinars titled ‘Paricharcha’ are conducted to raise awareness about mental health among students and stakeholders across all States and UTs, the Minister added.

With inputs from IANS