NMBA expand nationwide reaching over 23 crore individuals, including more than 7.81 crore youth, 5.24 crore women, and 17 lakh educational institutions .

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) on 15th August 2020 to combat drug demand in the country. Recognising the urgent need for collective action, the Ministry coordinates various initiatives including prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, public information dissemination, and community awareness.

As the drug addiction in India has long been a silent crisis impacting individuals, families and communities across both urban and rural landscapes, the NMBA initially targeted 272 vulnerable districts and expanded nationwide reaching over 23 crore individuals, including more than 7.81 crore youth, 5.24 crore women, and 17 lakh educational institutions.

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar said that Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is one prime nation building initiative which focuses on the healthy and disciplined youth. He said that NMBA has brought together the regulatory agencies like Narcotics Bureau, State and District Government, Police, NGOs, Hospitals, etc. to work together in a coordinated manner to make India drug-free.

Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment   Ramdas Athawale said that Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a flagship campaign to enhance the evidence based approach towards substance abuse. He said that the approach of the Abhiyaan is contemporary to engage youth and comprehensive to converge the activities undertaken by all the stakeholders for a common goal of making India free of substance abuse.

Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment  B. L. Verma said that Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a national initiative focused on achieving a Drug-Free India which actively involves youth, women and community members, with particular emphasis on higher education institutions, youth clubs and women’s groups. He said that the campaign aims to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, reaching out to every citizen. Shri Verma added that through early prevention and community engagement, this movement strives to foster a healthier and happier society, encouraging a collective effort towards eliminating substance abuse.

The major stakeholders and beneficiaries of the NMBA are Youth, Women, Children, Educational Institutions, Civil Society, and the Community at large. Since its launch, a wide range of activities have been conducted throughout the country that have fostered participation from all sections of society and stakeholders. There has been a shift from an earlier approach of organisational involvement to community involvement in the issue of substance abuse. The states, districts, and other stakeholders have taken ownership of the Abhiyaan, which has helped transform the Abhiyaan into a jan andolan.

Through partnerships with various departments and stakeholders at the district, state, and national levels, NMBA’s vision has been successfully implemented at the community level. These collaborations have fostered responsibility, reduced stigma and promoted acceptance and accountability among citizens regarding substance use prevention.

Substance use and the excessive and addictive non-medical use of drugs lead to severe social, psychological and physical issues. It has become a serious societal issue, leading to the deterioration of individuals’ health.

NMBA Pledge is an initiative to volunteer for reaching out to the victims of drug addiction. The pledge aims to encourage responsible behaviour to instil a sense of responsibility among people to stay away from drugs, to promote and foster sense of Unity and Commitment for encouraging stakeholders to work together towards a common goal. The Pledge further seeks to empower youth to contribute actively to developing a drug-free society.

The punching message is that we need to come forward to promote and encourage Drug De-addiction through Helpline—14446