How is the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Sensitising Nearly 25 Crore Indians Against Drug Abuse?
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Synopsis
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is making significant strides in educating nearly 25 crore Indians about drug abuse. Launched in 2020, this campaign focuses on reaching out to youth and institutions to spread awareness. Discover how this initiative is tackling the drug crisis across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- 25 crore Indians have been sensitized against drug abuse.
- The campaign targets youth through educational institutions.
- It includes 349 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts.
- A toll-free helpline is available for immediate support.
- The initiative aims to reduce drug demand nationwide.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The government revealed in Parliament that approximately 25 crore Indians have been educated about the dangers of drug abuse through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). This initiative was initiated by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020 to combat the escalating issue of drug addiction in 272 vulnerable districts across the nation.
According to Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma, the program has now been broadened to encompass all districts in the country. The primary goal of this national campaign is to raise awareness about substance use, particularly in higher education institutions, university campuses, and schools.
“Thus far, through various on-ground activities, over 24.9 crore individuals have been informed about substance use, including more than 8.7 crore youth and 6.0 crore women,” Verma noted.
“The involvement of over 12.15 lakh educational institutions has been instrumental in ensuring that the message of the Abhiyaan reaches the younger generation,” he added.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment serves as the primary ministry for drug demand reduction in India. To address the substance use crisis, the DoSJE has been executing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), a centrally sponsored initiative.
This plan allocates financial support to states, non-governmental organizations, and government hospitals for establishing Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs), as well as Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts, among other services.
Under the NAPDDR scheme, a total of 349 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) and 45 community-based peer-led intervention (cpLI) programs targeting children under 18 have been established to promote drug awareness.
Additional initiatives include 76 outreach and drop-in centers (oDICs), 154 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in government hospitals, and 139 District De-Addiction Centres.
Moreover, the DoSJE has set up a toll-free helpline for de-addiction services at 14446 to provide initial counseling and immediate referrals to those seeking assistance. “To date, we have received over 4.3 lakh calls on this helpline,” Verma stated.
Point of View
It is imperative that we recognize the significant impact of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. This initiative not only raises awareness but also fosters a community-centric approach to tackle the drug abuse crisis. The government's commitment to addressing this issue is commendable, and it resonates with the nation’s need for a healthier future.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan?
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is a national campaign aimed at educating and sensitizing the public, particularly youth, about the dangers of drug abuse.
When was the NMBA launched?
The NMBA was launched in 2020 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
How many people have been sensitised under the NMBA so far?
Approximately 25 crore Indians have been sensitized against drug abuse under the NMBA.
What types of programs are included in the NMBA?
The NMBA includes various programs such as awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, rehabilitation centers, and a toll-free helpline for support.
What is the significance of the toll-free helpline?
The toll-free helpline (14446) provides immediate counseling and referral services to individuals seeking help for addiction.
