The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, dives deep beneath the surface of fiscal numbers to explore a less tangible yet equally significant facet of India’s future economic strategy: mental health.
This year’s survey draws a direct connection between mental well-being and the economy, asserting how emotional, social, cognitive, and physical health intertwine to shape workplace productivity and overall economic resilience. It identifies lifestyle choices, workplace culture, and family dynamics as pivotal factors influencing mental well-being. Notably, the report flags the alarming rise of mental health issues among children and adolescents, attributing much of this trend to excessive internet and social media use.
“Stringent front-of-the-pack labelling rules are needed and to be enforced. It is not an exaggeration to suggest the country's future growth potential rides on this measure,” Sitharaman stated during the survey’s release on February 1, 2025. This warning sets the tone for the survey's broader argument: without addressing the root causes of mental health challenges, India risks undermining its potential for sustained economic growth.
At the heart of the survey is the growing concern over ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—packaged snacks, sugary beverages, instant meals, and processed meats, which are often high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS). The report emphasizes the risk posed to public health by these items, which have become staples for many Indian households.
Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran stresses the urgency of dealing with UPFs, pointing out their detrimental impact on both physical and mental health. “Scientific evidence abounds the consumption of ultra-processed foods is undermining both physical and mental health. Self-regulation has been ineffective,” he asserted, adding weight to the survey’s call for stringent regulatory measures.
The survey’s findings resonate with alarming insights; frequent consumption of UPFs is linked to various health issues, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and is affecting workplace productivity. The survey elucidates how poor dietary habits contribute to declining mental health—and lowers productivity. “It is not a theoretical construct. It is empirical finding across the world, including in India,” Nageswaran remarked, pointing out the pressing need to reevaluate dietary habits across the nation.
With the statistics mounting, the survey emphasizes the role of family dynamics and the necessity for interventions at both school and family levels. It advocates for promoting healthier lifestyle choices among youth to mitigate internet overuse and cultivate strong family ties. “Promoting outdoor activities, building friendships, and strengthening family relationships can help improve mental well-being,” the survey suggests.
India’s strategy must merge health initiatives with economic growth aspirations. By prioritizing mental health alongside educational reforms, the country can secure its demographic dividend—a term used to describe the economic growth potential resulting from shifts in population age structure. The potential for enhanced workplace culture and private sector involvement outlines the path forward for economic stakeholders.
“Prioritizing medium-term over short-term gains is as important as skilling and education for the country's economic future,” Nageswaran contended, highlighting the intertwining nature of mental health and economic success.
Concluding its extensive analysis, the survey champions not only the importance of mental well-being but also the necessity for effective labeling and regulatory measures to redefine India’s food consumption practices. With determined action, as laid out by the Economic Survey, the aspirations for India’s economic growth can stride forward, built on the solid foundation of both public health and dietary responsibility.