Maharashtra to Further Strengthen Mental Health Services Network: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

‘Udaan’ Project Extended by Five Years in Nagpur and Wardha; Approval Granted for MoUs with NGOs to Enhance Mental Healthcare

Mumbai, June 2026 : The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step towards expanding mental healthcare services in rural and tribal regions of the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government has approved measures to further strengthen mental health services under the ‘Udaan’ project in Nagpur and Wardha districts.

The government has authorized the Public Health Department to enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with two non-governmental organizations for a period of five years to enhance the implementation of mental healthcare services in these districts.

According to the government decision, the District Mental Health Programme will be implemented more effectively in collaboration with the Rural Tribal Community Development Organization, Sausar (Madhya Pradesh), and the Otherwise Foundation. The agreement will remain in force from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031. Since the arrangement is entirely non-financial in nature, it will not impose any additional financial burden on the state government.

The decision assumes particular importance at a time when mental health challenges are emerging as a growing public health concern. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), approximately 10 to 14 percent of adults in India suffer from some form of mental health disorder. Based on Maharashtra’s population, the survey estimates that nearly 12 to 18 million people in the state may be struggling with mental health issues.

Chief Minister Fadnavis has emphasized the need to make healthcare services accessible to all sections of society and has identified mental health as a priority area within the state’s healthcare framework. As part of this approach, the government has decided to expand and strengthen the ‘Udaan’ project to ensure that mental health services reach people living in remote rural and tribal areas.

Under the project, extensive awareness campaigns on mental health will be conducted at the village level. Efforts will be made to increase the participation of Gram Panchayats, self-help groups, and youth organizations in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma associated with mental illnesses.

The initiative will also focus on making mental healthcare services available at Primary Health Centres. This includes training healthcare personnel, implementing maternal mental health programmes, and providing psychological treatment and counselling services for individuals suffering from mild to moderate mental health conditions.

The state government believes that strengthening community-based mental healthcare services will help identify mental health issues at an early stage and improve access to treatment, particularly in underserved regions.

The ‘Udaan’ project had earlier been implemented successfully in Nagpur district and received a positive response from local communities. Encouraged by its outcomes, the government has now decided to extend the programme to Wardha district as well. The expansion is expected to improve access to mental health treatment, counselling, and support services for residents of rural and tribal areas who often face difficulties in obtaining specialised care.

The Public Health Department has authorized the Director of Health Services to execute the agreements and oversee their implementation. Through this collaboration between the government and voluntary organizations, the state aims to build a stronger and more inclusive mental healthcare system.

Officials said the initiative reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges through community participation, awareness generation, and improved healthcare delivery mechanisms, ensuring that quality mental health services become accessible to citizens across all regions of the state.