Table 2.

Policy documents highlighting stigma related to mental health

Policy Document	Provisions related to stigma reduction	Actual Text (excerpts)
National Mental Health Policy, 2014	Mentions stigma as a cross-cutting issues that can impact attaining policy goals Specifically mentions need to address stigma in suicide prevention	“Persons with mental health problems face stigma and discrimination in many ways…. Government, opinion-makers, media, and community leaders should encourage discussions for better understanding of the nature of mental health problems. There is need for compassion and responsibility in our interaction with persons affected with mental health problems instead of stigmatising such persons” p6
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017	Mental health awareness and stigma reduction mentioned as a duty of the appropriate government Mandates governments to design appropriate programmes for stigma reduction and ensure appropriate funding.	“Creating awareness about mental health and illness and reducing stigma associated with mental illness.” (Chapter VI-Duties of Appropriate Government, p2) “The programmes to reduce stigma associated with mental illness are planned, designed, funded, and implemented in an effective manner.” (Chapter VI-Duties of Appropriate Government, p17)
National Mental Health Programme (1982)	The District Mental Health programme includes stigma reduction as a key component in its IEC activities after 1996.	“The DMHP envisages a community-based approach to the problem, which includes …… Increase awareness & reduce stigma related to Mental Health problems.” p2
Recent Developments- Operational Guidelines for Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Disorders (MNS) care at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), Ayushman Bharat (2018)	Community level awareness activities for stigma reduction to be undertaken by frontline worker team at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).	“Community level Health Promotion interventions and improving mental health literacy that enables an understanding of mental health, common symptoms, risk factors/causes of disorders, treatment, reduction of stigma and discrimination, and of techniques such as psychological first aid, and self-care.” p6 “Awareness building and stigma and discrimination reduction activities through IEC and community mobilisation will be conducted by ASHA/ MPW in the community.” p7