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North India to Get New Mental Health Institute
1 Feb
Summary
- New NIMHANS facility planned for North India.
- Mental health issues identified as a public health challenge.
- Concerns rise over social media and digital addiction.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in Budget 2026 that the government will establish a new National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) campus in North India. This initiative addresses the deficit in mental health institutions across the region.
The 2026 Economic Survey underscored mental health as a critical public health challenge for India. The survey specifically pointed to a high prevalence of social media addiction, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 24.
Studies cited in the survey indicate an increase in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and stress related to cyberbullying. Furthermore, the growing digital addiction among children and adolescents is affecting academic performance, productivity, sleep patterns, and social connections due to increased screen time.
