The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has expanded from its initial focus on 272 vulnerable districts to a nationwide movement, reaching more than 23 crore people since its launch on August 15, 2020, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said on Wednesday.
According to the ministry, the campaign has engaged more than 7.81 crore youth, 5.24 crore women, and 17 lakh educational institutions as part of its efforts to create awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and promote a drug-free society.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar described the campaign as a key nation-building initiative focused on nurturing healthy and disciplined youth. He said the Abhiyaan has brought together agencies such as the Narcotics Bureau, state and district administrations, police, hospitals and non-governmental organisations to work in a coordinated manner towards making India free from drug abuse.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said the NMBA adopts an evidence-based approach to tackling substance abuse. He noted that the campaign combines awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation while bringing together the efforts of various stakeholders under a common objective.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B. L. Verma said the initiative actively involves youth, women and community members, with a special focus on higher educational institutions, youth clubs and women’s groups. He said the campaign aims to spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse through early intervention and community participation.
The ministry said the campaign’s key beneficiaries include youth, women, children, educational institutions, civil society organisations and communities. Since its inception, the initiative has witnessed a shift from institutional participation to community ownership, transforming it into a jan andolan against substance abuse.
It added that partnerships with various government departments and stakeholders at the district, state and national levels have strengthened community-based prevention efforts, helped reduce stigma associated with addiction, and encouraged greater public responsibility in addressing substance abuse.
Highlighting the impact of drug addiction, the ministry said substance abuse can have severe social, psychological and physical consequences, making prevention and awareness essential.
As part of the campaign, the NMBA Pledge encourages citizens to stay away from drugs, support people affected by addiction, and contribute towards building a drug-free society through collective action.
The ministry has also urged people to promote drug de-addiction and seek assistance through the national de-addiction helpline 14446.
