New Delhi, Dec 1 (LatestNewsX) – The Tele MANAS toll‑free line, launched as part of India’s national tele‑mental health programme, has managed over 29,75,000 calls since its 2022 inception up to mid‑March 2025, the Parliament was informed on Monday. Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, responded in writing to a query in the Rajya Sabha, pointing out the spike in student suicides, especially at IITs, and outlined the measures the country has put in place to confront mental‑health issues.
Under the National Tele Mental Health Programme, by July 17, 36 States and Union Territories had established 53 Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (MANAS) Cells. “More than 29,75,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number,” the Minister said. He added that the government is implementing a comprehensive approach to curb suicides among young adults, offering psychological support to students, teachers and families to safeguard mental and emotional well‑being.
Majumdar noted the creation of a National Task Force (NTF) to pinpoint the leading causes of student suicides, review current regulations, and recommend ways to strengthen student protection. According to the 2025 report from the National Crime Records Bureau, student suicides climbed from 8,423 in 2013 to 13,892 in 2023—a 65 % rise—and now represent 8.1 % of all suicides, up from 6.2 % a decade earlier. “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.,” he cited.
He highlighted that the Ministry of Education’s Manodarpan initiative offers a range of services, including a national toll‑free helpline staffed by trained counsellors. Other programmes such as the live interactive “Sahyog” sessions and the regular “Paricharcha” webinars aim to raise awareness about mental health among students and stakeholders across all States and Union Territories.
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