How have over 7 lakh individuals been rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in 2024-25?
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Synopsis
Discover the remarkable achievement of rehabilitating over 7 lakh individuals from drug de-addiction centres in just one year. Learn about the initiatives and surveys that are making a significant impact on substance use and addiction in India.
Key Takeaways
- Over 7 lakh individuals rehabilitated in 2024-25.
- Implementation of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.
- Memorandum of Understanding with AIIMS for a national substance use survey.
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan educates millions on drug abuse.
- Expansion of initiatives to all districts across India.
New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) In the fiscal year 2024-25, more than 7 lakh individuals have successfully transitioned through rehabilitation programs at drug de-addiction centres, as reported by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, during a Parliament session on Wednesday.
While addressing a question in the Rajya Sabha, Kumar highlighted that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has developed and implemented the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018-2025), which aims to support rehabilitation and drug de-addiction centres across the nation.
“In 2022-23, we saw over 3 lakh individuals rehabilitated, with the number increasing to more than 5 lakh in 2023-24, and surpassing 7 lakh in 2024-25,” Kumar stated.
He also mentioned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between the MoSJE and AIIMS, New Delhi, in March, for the second National Survey on the Extent and Pattern of Substance Use.
“This survey aims to provide national, state-level, and district-level estimates of the proportion and absolute number of individuals using various substances and suffering from substance use disorders, as well as the impacts of substance use within specific population groups,” the Union Minister added.
The inaugural survey, released in 2019, concentrated on adolescents and adult substance users, including those abusing alcohol, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, inhalants, cocaine, ATS, and hallucinogens.
“It revealed that approximately 1.48 crore individuals aged 10-17 were involved in substance use, while over 22 crore adults between 18 and 75 years were reported as users,” Kumar elaborated.
Additionally, the Minister discussed the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), initiated in 2020 to combat the escalating drug addiction crisis in the country.
Under the NMBA, over 16.5 crore Indians, including women and youth, have been educated regarding the dangers of drug abuse, Kumar informed Parliament.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) serves as the lead agency for drug demand reduction efforts in India.
Originally focused on 272 high-risk districts, the NMBA has now expanded its reach to all districts nationwide, according to the Union Minister.
“Through various outreach activities, more than 16.5 crore people have been made aware of substance use, including over 5.5 crore youth and 3.43 crore women,” he concluded.
Point of View
The government’s robust response to drug addiction challenges reflects its commitment to public health and social justice. The significant increase in rehabilitated individuals underscores the effectiveness of recent policies and initiatives aimed at reducing substance abuse across the nation.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction?
The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018-2025) is a government initiative aimed at supporting rehabilitation and de-addiction efforts across India.
How many individuals were rehabilitated in 2024-25?
In 2024-25, over 7 lakh individuals were rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres.
What is the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan?
Launched in 2020, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is an initiative to combat drug addiction, aiming to educate and sensitize the population against substance abuse.
What was the finding of the first National Survey on Substance Use?
The first survey revealed that around 1.48 crore individuals aged 10-17 engage in substance use, and over 22 crore adults aged between 18 and 75 are also users.
Which department is responsible for drug demand reduction in India?
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) is the nodal department for drug demand reduction efforts in India.
