PM Modi to lead 12 crore citizens in anti-drug pledge on Aug 18
Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi is reportedly set to personally lead a mass anti-drug pledge on 18 August 2025, targeting 12 crore participants across physical and digital channels — the largest such mobilisation under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan since its 2019 launch. The scale of coordination, spanning Railways, Defence, AYUSH, and social influencers, signals the Centre's intent to make the sixth anniversary a landmark moment in India's anti-drug campaign.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi is reportedly set to lead a National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse on 18 August 2025 .
The event targets participation of more than 12 crore citizens through both physical and online modes.
The drive marks the sixth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) , launched in 2019 .
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will coordinate the pledge across Ministries including Railway , Defence , AYUSH , and Central Armed Police Forces .
Joint Secretary Sandeep Rewaji Rathod chaired a coordination meeting on 10 July 2025 to finalise the implementation strategy.
Nodal officers and a Uniform Reporting Mechanism have been designated for tracking participation and outreach data.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead more than 12 crore citizens in a National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse on 18 August 2025, marking the sixth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), according to an official statement. The pledge drive will be conducted through both physical and online modes, making it one of the largest coordinated anti-drug mobilisations in the country's history.
How the Pledge Drive Will Be Organised
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will spearhead the nationwide pledge ceremony. A coordination meeting was held in New Delhi on 10 July 2025, chaired by Joint Secretary (Drug Prevention) Sandeep Rewaji Rathod, with representatives from multiple Ministries and departments to finalise the implementation strategy.
The meeting outlined the role of Line Ministries and Departments in mobilising officers, students, parents, volunteers, and other stakeholders. Pledge ceremonies are planned across affiliated offices, educational institutions, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and field formations under Ministries including Railway, Defence, Police, Central Armed Police Forces, AYUSH, Rural Development, and Revenue. Social, voluntary, spiritual organisations and social influencers are also expected to participate.
Coordination Mechanism and Reporting
The meeting also addressed the nomination of nodal officers to coordinate with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, along with a Uniform Reporting Mechanism for submission of participation data and outreach figures. A detailed presentation on the coordinated strategy was deliberated upon by all Line Department and Ministry representatives, the statement noted.
What the NMBA Pledge Stands For
The NMBA Pledge is a voluntary commitment to reach out to victims of drug addiction and promote responsible behaviour. It aims to instil a sense of personal accountability among citizens to stay drug-free, foster unity among stakeholders working toward a common goal, and empower youth to actively contribute to building a drug-free society.
Launched in 2019, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has grown into a multi-ministry campaign targeting high-burden districts across India. The 18 August event will represent its sixth anniversary milestone, with the Centre aiming to set a new benchmark in mass citizen participation.
What Comes Next
With the coordination framework now in place, nodal officers across departments are expected to begin mobilisation drives in the coming weeks. The success of the 12 crore participation target will depend on the reach of digital platforms alongside on-ground outreach in schools, colleges, and government offices nationwide.
Point of View
But the real measure of the NMBA's sixth anniversary will be whether the pledge translates into sustained behavioural change and institutional follow-through — not just a one-day mobilisation count. India's drug abuse challenge, particularly in border states and among youth, requires year-round programme delivery, not periodic mass events. The Centre's decision to rope in Railways, Defence, AYUSH, and social influencers signals a whole-of-government approach, which is the right instinct. But without independently verified participation data and a clear post-pledge action framework, the risk is that this becomes a well-organised ceremony rather than a policy inflection point.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse on 18 August 2025?
It is a nationwide anti-drug pledge drive led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeting more than 12 crore citizens through physical and online modes. The event marks the sixth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) and is being organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What is the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)?
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a Central Government campaign launched in 2019 to create a drug-free India, focusing on high-burden districts through awareness, outreach, and rehabilitation efforts. The 18 August 2025 pledge marks its sixth anniversary.
Which departments and organisations will participate in the pledge drive?
The pledge drive will involve multiple Central Ministries and departments including Railway, Defence, Police, Central Armed Police Forces, AYUSH, Rural Development, and Revenue, along with educational institutions, PSUs, autonomous bodies, social organisations, spiritual groups, and social influencers.
How will the 12 crore participation target be tracked?
A Uniform Reporting Mechanism has been established for submission of participation details and outreach data. Nodal officers from each Ministry and department have been nominated to coordinate with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Why is the NMBA pledge significant for India's anti-drug efforts?
The pledge aims to instil personal accountability, foster unity among stakeholders, and empower youth to contribute to a drug-free society. At a target of 12 crore participants, it represents one of the largest coordinated anti-drug mobilisations undertaken in India.
