On 13 November 2025, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued an important advisory calling on Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) across India to actively promote Tele MANAS—Tele Mental Health Assurance and Networking Across States, a national mental-health support programme launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Signed by Prof. Manish R. Joshi, UGC Secretary, the communication underscores that students’ mental well-being is central to the higher education ecosystem and essential for the nation’s future.
Student Well-Being as a National Priority
The UGC highlights that mental health directly impacts students’ academic success, emotional resilience, and holistic development. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Education and UGC have already rolled out initiatives such as MANODARPAN and the Guidelines for Physical Fitness, Sports, Students’ Health, Welfare, and Emotional Well-Being. Tele MANAS adds significant value to this ecosystem by offering accessible, free, 24×7 mental-health support to anyone in need.
What is Tele MANAS?
Launched on World Mental Health Day—10 October 2022, Tele MANAS is India’s first national tele-mental-health network. Its mission is to deliver free mental-health counselling and crisis support, especially in remote, rural, and underserved regions.
Since its launch, Tele MANAS has witnessed remarkable uptake:
- 23 lakh+ calls handled
- 53 operational cells across all States and UTs
- Services offered in 20 Indian languages
- Round-the-clock (24×7) availability
- Completely free of cost
This extraordinary response highlights both the scale of need and the significance of providing non-judgmental, confidential mental-health support.
New Features: Nationwide Video Consultation & Mobile App
To address increasing demand for specialized care, MoHFW has expanded its Video Consultation Platform nationwide, enabling students to speak directly with mental-health professionals.
Additionally, Tele MANAS has launched its mobile application in Hindi and English, with more regional languages underway. The app provides easy access to helplines, resources, and consultations. HEIs have been asked to widely share the QR code to help students download the app effortlessly.
What UGC Expects from Higher Educational Institutions
UGC has requested all HEIs to undertake coordinated awareness efforts by:
1. Publicizing Tele MANAS Helplines
The toll-free numbers 14416 and 1800-891-4476 should be prominently displayed on:
- Institutional websites
- Student handbooks
- Social media handles
- Digital and physical boards across campus
2. Promoting the Tele MANAS Mobile App
HEIs should display the QR code in:
- Libraries
- Hostels
- Notice boards
- Counselling centres
3. Screening Awareness Videos
UGC encourages institutions to screen official Information-Education-Communication (IEC) videos during:
- Student orientations
- Wellness weeks
- Hostel gatherings
- Departmental events
4. Encouraging Peer Champions
Faculty members and student leaders should be encouraged to serve as mental-health ambassadors, helping reduce stigma and increasing awareness about available services.
A Step Toward a Mentally Healthier Campus Environment
The UGC’s call reflects a broader shift in India’s educational landscape—acknowledging that academic excellence and student well-being go hand in hand. Tele MANAS provides an invaluable support system, and HEIs play a crucial role in ensuring students know help is available, accessible, and stigma-free.
By embracing this initiative, institutions can help build a culture where mental health is prioritized, conversations are encouraged, and support is just a call away.