Since its launch in 2022, the Tele‑MANAS toll-free mental-health helpline in India has handled more than 29.75 lakh calls, according to a response given to Parliament in December 2025.
The helpline operates under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), and as of mid-2025, 53 Tele-MANAS centres — spread across 36 states and union territories — have been established to ensure nationwide coverage.
Designed to offer free, 24×7 mental-health support, Tele-MANAS connects callers to trained counsellors and mental-health professionals, aiming to provide timely psychological support especially in distress or crisis situations.
The rising number of calls reflects growing public uptake and reliance on remote mental-health services, pointing to increased awareness and demand for psychological support across demographic segments.
Implementation of Tele-MANAS is part of the government’s broader push to expand mental-health infrastructure. Under NTMHP, mental-health services are being integrated at the primary-care level through upgraded sub-health and primary health centres, and specialised support remains available across district and community health structures
