- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new NIMHANS 2 in North India
- The Centre will upgrade National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur
- The Economic Survey 2026 highlighted mental health as a major public health challenge
In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasises the Centre's support on mental health issues, and proposes to set up a National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) 2 in North India. She also adds that the Centre will work on upgrading National Mental Health Institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur.
Sitharaman stated that this decision was driven by the shortage of dedicated mental‑health facilities across North India.
The Economic Survey 2026, tabled on Jan. 29, placed strong emphasis on the growing mental‑health burden in the country, calling it one of the most pressing challenges for India's public‑health system.
A key concern highlighted in the document was the surge in social‑media dependence among young people aged 15 to 24. Drawing from several studies, the survey linked excessive online engagement to rising cases of anxiety, depression, diminished self‑worth, and stress associated with cyberbullying.
The report also drew attention to the rapid increase in digital addiction among children and teenagers. It noted that prolonged time spent on screens is beginning to take a toll — disrupting sleep patterns, lowering academic productivity, and weakening real‑world social interactions.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro‑Sciences (NIMHANS), based only in Bengaluru as of now, is India's leading centre for psychiatric care and neuroscience research. Since its establishment, it has played a central role in shaping mental‑health education, advancing research, and providing specialised treatment across the country.
This is a developing story.
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