Tele‑MANAS Expansion and Impact (2022‑2026) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has updated the status of its Tele‑MANAS programme. As of 03 March 2026 , the network operates 53 cells across 36 states/UTs, offers services in 20 languages, and has fielded more than 34.34 lakh calls since its inception on 10 October 2022. Key Developments (2022‑2026) Establishment of 53 Tele‑MANAS Cells in 36 states/UTs. Launch of the Tele‑MANAS Mobile Application on 10 October 2024 (World Mental Health Day) , enabling referrals and self‑help resources. Over 47,487 non‑emergency in‑person referrals, 9,590 detailed clinical evaluations, and 19,135 connections to MHPs . Targeted referrals to DMHP (1,319), medical/surgical specialists (10,240), and emergency psychiatric care (5,083 urgent referrals). Outreach to schools, colleges, NGOs, railways, police, tax officials, and other professional groups, reaching several thousand participants. Important Facts & Figures Total calls handled: 34.34 lakh (voice and app‑based). Languages supported: 20 , reflecting linguistic diversity of India. Referral breakdown: non‑emergency (47,487), clinical evaluation (9,590), MHPs (19,135), DMHP (1,319), specialists (10,240), psychiatric emergencies (5,083). Integration with other youth‑health schemes: RKSK , Manodarpan , and the Ayushman Bharat School Health & Wellness Programme . UPSC Relevance Understanding Tele‑MANAS is crucial for GS 4 (Health) and for questions on public‑health delivery, digital governance, and inter‑sectoral coordination. The programme illustrates: Implementation of digital health infrastructure to bridge urban‑rural gaps. Synergy between central schemes ( National Tele Mental Health Programme ) and state‑level health systems. Role of multi‑sectoral platforms ( Manodarpan , Ayushman Bharat School Health & Wellness Programme ) in preventive mental health. Way Forward For sustained impact, the government may consider: Expanding language support beyond the current 20 to cover all scheduled languages. Strengthening data‑analytics for real‑time monitoring of call trends and referral outcomes. Integrating Tele‑MANAS with primary health centres (PHCs) and community health workers for early detection. Increasing budgetary allocation for training of MHPs and lay counsellors. Periodic parliamentary oversight to assess quality of services and equity of access. These steps will reinforce India’s commitment to mental‑health as a public‑health priority and align with the Sustainable Development Goal‑3 target on mental‑health and well‑being.