State Government to Expand Mental Health Services – Health Minister Honors Mental Health Champions on World Mental Health Day

Jaipur, Oct 2025: On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar emphasized that promoting mental health and well-being is the need of the hour. He said that mental health is as essential as physical health, and the state government will further expand and strengthen mental health services across Rajasthan. These services will also be integrated more effectively within existing state health schemes.

Addressing the state-level event organized at the Rajasthan International Centre, Minister Khimsar noted that social media pressures and a fast-paced lifestyle have adversely impacted mental health. He added that achieving a balance between physical and mental health is key to overcoming anxiety, stress, and depression.

He urged people not to hesitate in seeking professional help for mental disorders and shared that emotional support and empathy can help reduce others’ depression, even in a society where such issues often lack open acceptance.

Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant said that mental illnesses often go unnoticed and emphasized the importance of sharing and talking openly about mental health issues to stay mentally fit. He highlighted that through the Tele-MANAS Helpline (1800-891-4416), citizens across the state are provided free counseling services. Anyone experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety can receive expert consultation immediately through this helpline.

Pant added that the government is continuously working through various schemes, programs, helplines, and counseling initiatives to make mental health care more accessible and inclusive.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Gayatri Rathore pointed out that excessive social media use is a major cause of rising mental stress. When expectations exceed actual achievements, it creates an imbalance that leads to poor mental health. She emphasized the importance of self-awareness and emotional stability to cope with these challenges. Rathore added that the state government is working with experts to strengthen mental health policies and programs, ensuring free medicine distribution, diagnostic services, and outreach activities reach people at all levels.

Secretary, Urban Governance Department, Ravi Jain said that modern lifestyles have increased stress and depression. To combat this, he suggested timely counseling, positive thinking, regular exercise, sports, music, and family communication as effective coping mechanisms.

Secretary, Medical Education Department, Ambreesh Kumar discussed key causes of mental illness—stress, unbalanced lifestyles, and social isolation. He said understanding how the brain functions can help treat disorders effectively. Regular yoga and mental exercises, he added, can help maintain mental fitness.

Senior Professor Dr. Shiv Gautam gave a detailed presentation on the current status and future direction of mental health services, while UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Joanna Lai highlighted UNICEF’s global and local initiatives for mental health awareness.

Ranu Parashar of Alakh Foundation thanked the state government for including the Tele-MANAS helpline number in school textbooks, which she said would help raise awareness among children and youth.

During the event, individuals and organizations doing outstanding work in the field of mental health were honored. The “Man Darpan” and “Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0” posters were also unveiled.

Over 800 participants, including officials, subject experts, researchers, and students, attended the program. Key attendees included Commissioner of Medical Education Iqbal Khan, NHM Mission Director Dr. Amit Yadav, Director of IEC Shaheen Ali Khan, and Food Safety Commissioner Dr. T. Shubhamangala.