How is Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Sensitizing Over 16.5 Crore Indians Against Drug Abuse?
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Synopsis
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has successfully educated more than 16.5 crore Indians about the dangers of drug abuse. This initiative, driven by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to create a drug-free India by focusing on youth and community engagement. Explore the campaign's reach and impact on society.
Key Takeaways
- Over 16.5 crore Indians have been sensitized against drug abuse.
- The campaign was launched in 2020 by the DoSJE.
- It targets higher educational institutions, schools, and youth.
- The toll-free helpline 14446 has received over 4.3 lakh calls.
- Partnerships with spiritual organizations enhance outreach.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress)—The government disclosed in Parliament that over 16.5 crore Indians, encompassing women and youth, have been educated about the dangers of drug abuse through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) serves as the central agency for combating drug demand in India.
To address the alarming rise in drug addiction, the DoSJE initiated the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in 2020.
Initially focused on 272 districts identified as highly vulnerable, the NMBA has now been expanded to encompass all districts across the nation, as stated by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma in a written response in the Rajya Sabha.
This nationwide campaign aims to foster extensive awareness about substance abuse, particularly targeting higher educational institutions, university campuses, and schools.
“So far, through a range of on-ground activities, over 16.5 crore individuals have been made aware of substance use, including 5.5 crore youth and 3.43 crore women,” the Minister noted.
“The involvement of more than 4.47 lakh educational institutions has been pivotal in ensuring the message of the campaign reaches the nation's youth and children,” he added.
To combat the issue of substance use, the DoSJE is executing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)—a centrally funded initiative.
This plan offers financial support to states, NGOs, and government hospitals for setting up Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) and Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts, among other services.
Additionally, the DoSJE has introduced a toll-free helpline for de-addiction, reachable at 14446, which provides primary counseling and immediate referral services to those seeking assistance.
“To date, we have received over 4.3 lakh calls on this helpline,” Verma stated.
The DoSJE has also forged partnerships through Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with various spiritual organizations such as The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, ISKCON, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and All World Gayatri Pariwar to bolster the NMBA and conduct extensive awareness campaigns.
Moreover, awareness regarding substance use is being disseminated via the official social media channels of the NMBA on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Point of View
I firmly believe that national initiatives like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan are crucial in fostering a healthier society. By educating our youth and communities about the dangers of substance abuse, we are taking proactive steps toward a drug-free India. Such awareness campaigns not only reflect our commitment to public health but also empower individuals to make informed choices.
NationPress
08/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan?
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a national campaign initiated by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to combat drug addiction and raise awareness about substance abuse across India.
How many people have been sensitized under this initiative?
Over 16.5 crore individuals, including youth and women, have been sensitized against drug abuse as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
What services does the helpline 14446 provide?
The helpline 14446 offers primary counseling and immediate referral services for individuals seeking help with addiction and substance abuse.
How can educational institutions participate in the campaign?
Educational institutions can participate by engaging in various activities designed to spread awareness about substance use and its dangers among students.
What partnerships have been formed to support this campaign?
The DoSJE has signed Memorandums of Understanding with several spiritual organizations to conduct mass awareness activities in support of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
