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Key Points

The government has successfully rehabilitated over 7 lakh people from drug de-addiction centres this year. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has sensitized 16.5 crore Indians against substance abuse. A new national survey with AIIMS will assess drug use patterns across states. The program now covers all districts after starting in 272 vulnerable areas.

Key Points: Over 7 Lakh Rehabilitated from Drug De-Addiction Centres in 2024-25

  • 7 lakh drug addicts rehabilitated in 2024-25
  • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan reaches 16.5 crore people
  • AIIMS to conduct second national drug use survey
  • 272 vulnerable districts now covered under NMBA
2 min read

Over 7 lakh persons rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in 2024-25: Union Minister

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar reports 7 lakh rehabilitations in 2024-25, highlights Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan's impact on 16.5 crore Indians.

"Over 7 lakh persons were rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in 2024-25 – Dr. Virendra Kumar"

New Delhi, Aug 6

More than 7 lakh persons have been rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in the year 2024-25, said Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, in the Parliament on Wednesday.

Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Kumar shared that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has formulated and enacted National Action Plan for Drug Demand for Reduction (2018-2025), which supports rehabilitation and drug-deaddiction centres.

“Over 3 lakh persons were reported and rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in 2022-23. The number spiked to more than 5 lakh in 2023-24 and over 7 lakh in 2024-25,” Kumar said.

He also noted an MoU signed between the MoSJE and AIIMS, New Delhi, in March, for conducting the second National Survey on the Extent and Pattern of Substance Use.

“The objective of the survey is national, state-level and district-level estimates of proportion and absolute number of people who use various substances and people who are suffering from substance use disorders; and information on substance use and its consequences in the specific population groups,” the Union Minister said.

The first such survey, published in 2019, focussed on adolescents and adult users of substances like alcohol, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, inhalants, cocaine, ATS, and hallucinogens.

"It showed that a total of 1.48 crore among the age group of 10-17 years are indulging in these substances, while over 22 crore adults aged between 18 and 75 years are using them," Kumar said.

Further, the Minister also detailed on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), launched in 2020 to fight the growing menace of drug addiction in the country.

More than 16.5 cr Indians, including women and youth, have been sensitised against drug abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Kumar informed the Parliament.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) is the nodal department for drug demand reduction in the country.

From 272 districts identified as most vulnerable, the NMBA is now extended to all districts of the country, the Union Minister said.

“Till now, through the various activities undertaken on-ground, 16.5+ crore people have been sensitised on substance use, including 5.5+ crore youth and 3.43+ crore women,” the Minister said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the numbers look impressive, I wonder about the quality of rehabilitation. Are these centers providing proper counseling and job training? Mere numbers don't tell the complete story. The government should focus on long-term recovery.
A
Arjun K
The statistics about 1.48 crore adolescents using substances is shocking! We need more awareness programs in schools and colleges. Parents should also be educated to identify early signs of drug abuse in their children.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, I'm impressed by India's systematic approach to this problem. The partnership with AIIMS for national surveys shows commitment to evidence-based policymaking. Other countries could learn from this model.
K
Kavya N
The focus on women in NMBA is crucial! 👏 In our society, women addicts often suffer in silence due to stigma. Glad to see 3.43 crore women being sensitized. Hope this leads to more women coming forward for help without fear.
V
Vikram M
While rehabilitation is important, we need stricter action against drug peddlers. The supply chain must be broken. Police and NCB should work more aggressively to catch the big fish instead of just small-time dealers.

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