Tele MANAS App Launches New Mental Health Features

The Government of India marked World Mental Health Day 2025 by unveiling new features for the National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele MANAS. These upgrades aim to expand access to mental health services across the country. The initiative reflects India’s commitment to inclusive, affordable, and accessible mental healthcare through digital innovation.

Expansion of Language and Accessibility Features

The Tele MANAS app now supports 10 additional regional languages alongside English and Hindi. These include Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi. This expansion enhances accessibility for diverse linguistic groups. The app also incorporates new accessibility features tailored for visually impaired users and other vulnerable groups, reducing barriers to digital mental health support.

Introduction of Chatbot and Emergency Module

A chatbot named ‘Asmi’ has been introduced to provide users with instant information and guidance on mental health issues. The app now also includes an emergency response module to offer timely assistance during mental health crises. These features improve user engagement and ensure support is available in critical situations.

Role of National Advocates and Awareness Campaigns

Deepika Padukone has been appointed as the Mental Health Ambassador. Her role is to raise awareness and encourage timely use of government-approved mental health services. The partnership aims to reduce stigma and normalise conversations around mental health, denoting its importance in public health.

Impact and Reach of Tele MANAS

Since its launch, Tele MANAS has managed approximately 2.8 million calls in over 20 languages. Daily, around 4,000 individuals seek mental health support through the service. The nearly equal gender distribution among users indicates growing awareness across all demographics. The mobile app facilitates access to professional counselling anytime and anywhere in India.

Government and Expert Perspectives

Union Health Minister emphasised that mental health is integral to national wellbeing. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare views Tele MANAS as a key tool in achieving universal health coverage. Experts from NIMHANS and IIT Bangalore brought into light the app’s modular design, data privacy measures, and capacity to evolve with new features over time. The government continues to prioritise mental health through programmes like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the District Mental Health Programme.

Future Directions and Stakeholder Engagement

Feedback from users and stakeholders is encouraged to improve the app further. The government aims to build a resilient and inclusive mental health ecosystem by leveraging technology, capacity building, and awareness initiatives. These steps seek to bridge the mental health treatment gap and ensure equitable service delivery across India.