Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: 35 crore people reached so far, 32 lakh institutions engaged

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached more than 35 crore people across India, including 13.94 crore youth and 10.86 crore women, involving over 32 lakh educational institutions in efforts to prevent substance abuse, PTI reported on October 22 citing the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Launched on August 15, 2020, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the initiative initially focused on 272 vulnerable districts before being extended nationwide, the ministry said.

The ministry also highlighted Union Home Minister Amit Shah's target of eliminating the drug trade by December 31, 2029. Shah had expressed confidence in achieving this goal while addressing the third National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) heads of states and Union territories in New Delhi in September.


Shah called for coordinated action, measurable targets and accountability to dismantle drug networks. Protecting young people from substance abuse is also crucial to the government's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the ministry said, citing his remarks.

The campaign seeks to reduce demand for drugs by mobilising communities and expanding awareness through educational programmes and partnerships with government departments and civil society organisations.

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Schools, colleges, youth clubs, women's groups and local communities are among the platforms being used to spread information about substance use, promote early intervention and encourage healthier lifestyles, the ministry said.

The initiative also relies on 'Nashamukt Mitras' to carry awareness messages into educational institutions and other community spaces. These volunteers encourage young people to access reliable information, challenge misconceptions about substance use and seek assistance when needed.

The campaign forms part of the government's wider strategy to tackle drug abuse through prevention, enforcement, awareness and rehabilitation. While law enforcement agencies target trafficking and supply networks, the initiative focuses on reducing demand and connecting people with support services, the ministry said.

Treatment and rehabilitation

The programme covers multiple stages of drug demand reduction, including prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, public information and community awareness.

It also seeks to address the stigma surrounding substance-use disorders, encouraging individuals and families to seek help at an early stage. Supporting recovery and reintegration into society remains another component of the initiative.

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The ministry stressed that sustained coordination among government departments, educational institutions, healthcare and rehabilitation providers, civil society organisations, families and citizens is necessary to tackle substance use effectively.

It called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to sustain prevention efforts and improve access to assistance for those affected by substance abuse.