What Is NIMHANS? Budget 2026 Proposes NIMHANS 2 In North India, Ranchi Institute Upgrade

Mental health emerged as a major focus area in the Union Budget 2026, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a significant expansion of institutional support for mental healthcare.

In her budget speech, Sitharaman revealed plans to establish a new centre of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in North India, marking a rare prime-time policy push for mental well-being.

NIMHANS 2.0 planned for North India

The finance minister said the government would work towards setting up another campus of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, often referred to as NIMHANS 2.0. The proposed expansion aims to address the shortage of specialised mental health institutions across northern states.

According to Sitharaman, the move is driven by the uneven availability of advanced mental healthcare facilities, with most premier institutions currently concentrated in southern India. The new centre is expected to strengthen treatment capacity, training and research in mental health and neuroscience.

Economic Survey flags mental health as public health challenge

Mental health concerns were also prominently highlighted in the Economic Survey 2026, presented earlier this week. The survey described mental health as a growing public health challenge for India, pointing to changing lifestyles, digital behaviour and social pressures.

It specifically noted a high prevalence of social media addiction among young people aged 15 to 24 years. Citing multiple studies, the survey flagged rising cases of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and stress linked to cyberbullying.

Digital addiction among children raises concern

The Economic Survey further emphasised the issue of increasing digital addiction among children and adolescents. It observed that excessive screen time is impacting academic performance, productivity and sleep patterns, while also weakening real-world social connections.

The findings underline the need for early intervention, awareness and institutional support, reinforcing the relevance of the government's focus on expanding mental health infrastructure.

About NIMHANS

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences is a premier medical institution located in Bengaluru and serves as India's apex centre for mental health education and neuroscience research.

The institution traces its origins to the Bangalore Lunatic Asylum established in 1847. It was later renamed the Government Mental Hospital in 1925 before being established as NIMHANS in 1974. It currently functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.