Quick Commentary:###Special Focus on Mental Health in Rajasthan Budget 2026–27
By Gopendra Nath Bhatt
In a time when rising academic pressure in Kota and growing social challenges are affecting the mental well-being of youth, the Rajasthan Government has taken a decisive step by placing special emphasis on mental health in the State Budget 2026–27.
Under the National Mental Health Programme, treatment has been provided to over 5.51 crore patients across the state. Strengthening this commitment, the government has announced the launch of the Raj Mamta Program, aimed at providing accessible and quality mental healthcare services. The initiative seeks to prevent depression, anxiety, and suicide-related incidents by building structured support systems.
A major highlight is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Mental Health at SMS Medical College. Additionally, Mental Health Care Cells will be set up at district headquarters, with psychiatrists and psychological counsellors available in district hospitals. Stress management counselling and awareness sessions will also be introduced in senior secondary schools to support students during crucial academic years.
A Record Health Allocation
The Bhajan Lal Government has allocated ₹32,526 crore to the health sector in Budget 2026–27 — a 53% increase compared to 2023–24. This substantial rise reflects the government’s commitment to its vision of a “Healthy and Disease-Free Rajasthan.”
The allocation includes:
₹12,195 crore for Medical & Health
₹4,853 crore for the National Rural Health Mission
₹1,798 crore for Family Welfare
₹2,995 crore for Medical Education
₹787.67 crore for AYUSH
Digital transformation is also progressing rapidly. Under the Rajasthan Digital Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, 6.52 crore ABHA IDs have been issued. Through the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform, over 20.33 lakh patients have received consultations.
Strengthening Infrastructure & Emergency Care
The budget outlines ₹865 crore for upgrading facilities at Jaipur’s medical college, along with expansion projects across the state:
₹461 crore for Jodhpur Medical College
₹333 crore for Udaipur Medical College
₹341 crore for Kota Medical College
₹345 crore for Ajmer Medical College
₹276+ crore for Bikaner Medical College
These investments will support modular operation theatres, critical care units, trauma surgery super-specialty courses, and Basic Life Support Training Centres.
Emergency response systems are also being enhanced under the Raj Suraksha Yojana, with 24-hour Critical Care Command Centres, ECG and Tele-ECG services at CHCs, highway ambulance deployment, and ₹150 crore allocated for strengthening trauma services. The newly introduced Moksh Vahini Scheme will ensure free transportation of deceased accident victims from mortuaries to their homes.
Universal & Cashless Healthcare Expansion
The Chief Minister’s Ayushman Arogya Scheme currently offers cashless treatment up to ₹25 lakh under 2,179 health packages, covering 1.36 crore families. The budget now extends free healthcare benefits to destitute, abandoned, and mentally challenged individuals. Panchayat-level health camps will further ensure last-mile access.
A Holistic Vision
With 267 hospitals, 849 CHCs, 2,875 PHCs, 15,292 sub-centres, and 638 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operational, Rajasthan is steadily building a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.
The special focus on mental health in this year’s budget signals a progressive shift — acknowledging that true development is not only about physical infrastructure but also emotional resilience and psychological well-being.
In addressing both medical infrastructure and mental wellness, Rajasthan moves closer to its goal of becoming not just a healthier state — but a more compassionate one.
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