In New Delhi, on December 13, (NationPress), the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, announced that over 29.82 lakh phone calls have been managed by 53 Tele MANAS Cells, highlighting the government's dedication to preventing, mitigating, and managing stress among women across various sectors.

The government initiated the “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on October 10, 2022, to enhance access to quality mental health counseling and care services nationwide, as stated by the MoS.

As of November 27, 2025, 36 States/UTs have established 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Services offered by Tele-MANAS are available in 20 languages, tailored according to the language preferences of the states.

“Over 29,82,000 calls have been received through the helpline number,” she elaborated in response to a query in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

To tackle the challenges posed by mental disorders, the Central government is executing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) throughout the country.

The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), a component of the NMHP, has been approved for implementation in 767 districts, with support provided to States/UTs via the National Health Mission.

Services offered under the DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels include outpatient services, assessment, counseling, psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support for individuals with severe mental disorders, medication, outreach services, and ambulance services, according to the MoS.

The Central government prioritizes the safety and security of women and girls, implementing multiple measures to assist State Governments/UT Administrations. These initiatives encompass the operation of helplines such as Women Helpline -181, Child Helpline - 1098, and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), along with the introduction of Zero FIR and e-FIR under new criminal laws, and providing institutional support to survivors, as stated by the MoS.

Additionally, the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 aims to deliver mental healthcare and services for individuals with mental illnesses, while protecting, promoting, and fulfilling the rights of these individuals during the provision of mental healthcare and services.

This Act decriminalizes attempts to end one’s life, acknowledging that those under significant stress need care and rehabilitation rather than punitive measures, and includes provisions for the registration and regulation of mental health establishments and oversight mechanisms to enhance the quality and availability of services.

Recognizing that gender-based violence, harassment, and insecurity are significant contributors to psychological trauma and chronic stress among women, the government has instituted various mechanisms to provide immediate protection, comprehensive support, and long-term rehabilitation, as noted in the statement.

It offers integrated support and assistance under one roof to women affected by violence and those in distress, whether in private or public settings.

Furthermore, it provides a wide range of services, including medical aid, legal advice, temporary shelter, police assistance, and psycho-social counseling to women in need.

Currently, 864 One Stop Centres (OSCs) are operational across the nation, with over 12.67 lakh women having received assistance until September 30, 2025.