More than 16.5 crore Indians, including over 5.5 crore youth and 3.43 crore women, have been sensitised about the dangers of drug abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), the government informed the Rajya Sabha.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), which leads efforts to reduce drug demand in India, launched the NMBA in 2020 to tackle rising concerns around substance abuse. Initially focused on 272 high-risk districts, the campaign has now been expanded to cover all districts across the country.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B.L. Verma, said, “Till now, through the various activities undertaken on-ground, 16.5+ crore people have been sensitized on substance use, including 5.5+ crore youth and 3.43+ crore women.”
“Participation of 4.47+ lakh educational institutions have ensured that the message of the Abhiyaan reaches children and youth of the country,” he added.
The NMBA focuses on building awareness around drug use, especially in schools, colleges, and university campuses. It uses community outreach, educational programs, and partnerships to spread its message.
To further support this effort, the DoSJE is also implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), a centrally sponsored scheme that offers financial assistance to state governments, NGOs, and hospitals. The funding helps set up Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) and Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs).
A 24x7 national helpline (14446) has also been launched for individuals seeking help with addiction. The helpline offers primary counselling and referral services. “More than 4.3 Lakh calls have been received, so far, on the helpline number,” Verma said.
Additionally, the Ministry has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with spiritual and social organisations such as The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, ISKCON, Sant Nirankari Mission, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and All World Gayatri Pariwar. These groups are helping to conduct mass awareness drives under the NMBA. The government is also actively promoting the campaign through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram to reach a wider audience and encourage public participation.
The NMBA aims not only to educate people about the harms of drug use but also to build a nationwide movement for a drug-free India.