New Delhi: The Government of India’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)’ is being implemented across the country. Its objective is to curb substance abuse by raising awareness, ensuring community participation, and providing improved de-addiction services.
Since August 2023, the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ has been expanded to cover all districts across the country. The campaign was originally launched on August 15, 2020, in 272 districts identified as vulnerable to substance abuse. Under this initiative, special emphasis is being placed on raising awareness and conducting de-addiction activities in schools, universities, and other higher education institutions.
Shri B.L. Verma, stated that under the ‘National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction’ (NAPDDR), the Ministry provides support to 145 District Drug De-addiction Centres (DDACs), 344 IRCAs, 76 ODICs, 45 CPLI centres, and 155 ATFs to strengthen de-addiction treatment and rehabilitation services across the country.
Shri B.L. Verma, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, informed the Rajya Sabha that with the sustained cooperation of States and Union Territories, the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ has reached and raised awareness among more than 29.05 crore people across the country through large-scale awareness and outreach activities. This includes over 11.05 crore youth and 7.81 crore women.
He stated that awareness programs regarding substance abuse are being conducted in schools, colleges, and universities to sensitize students and the youth through campaigns, workshops, and other IEC activities.
The House was informed that the Ministry has launched a National Toll-Free De-Addiction Helpline (14446) to assist individuals affected by substance abuse and their families. This helpline provides counseling, guidance, and assistance in accessing nearby de-addiction centers. So far, it has received over 4.6 lakh calls.
A network of over 1.17 lakh ‘Nasha Mukti Mitras’ (NMMs) has been created to enhance community participation under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’. Volunteers are contributing to awareness activities and strengthening the campaign against substance abuse through the NMBA mobile app.
(PIB)
