Budget’s welcome focus on improving India’s brain health

Union Budget 2026 recognises brain health and human capital asa strategic asset and an important component of the mission to Viksit Bharat.

- Rajinder K Dhamija

The strengthening of mental health infrastructure, human resource expansion, and digital health and wellness initiatives reflects a welcome move towardsa human capital-driven growth model. Economic Survey 2023-24 had first highlighted the significance ofmental health in personal and national progress. The 2025-26 survey also focused on human capital in addition to flagging digital addiction asa major public health hazard aswellasa risk for India's long-term productivity. Recent scientific literature also highlights digital addiction as a major hazard for India’s demographic dividend and growth potential.