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Key Points

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has sensitized over 16.5 crore Indians, including youth and women, against drug abuse. The campaign, now active in all districts, focuses on schools and universities. A toll-free helpline has received over 4.3 lakh calls for addiction support. Spiritual organizations like Art of Living also aid in spreading awareness.

Key Points: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Reaches 16.5 Cr Indians Against Drug Abuse

  • Over 16.5 crore Indians sensitized against drug abuse
  • Campaign expanded to all districts from initial 272
  • 4.47 lakh educational institutions involved
  • Toll-free helpline 14446 received 4.3 lakh calls
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Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Over 16.5 cr Indians sensitised against drug abuse, says govt

Govt reports 16.5 crore Indians sensitized under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, with focus on youth and women through schools and helplines.

"16.5+ crore people sensitized on substance use, including 5.5+ crore youth and 3.43+ crore women – B.L. Verma"

New Delhi, July 31

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

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

To fight the growing concern of drug addiction, DoSJE in 2020 launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).

From 272 districts identified as most vulnerable, the NMBA is now extended to all districts of the country, said Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The national campaign against drugs aims to spread widespread awareness about substance use with a focus on higher educational institutions, university campuses, and schools.

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

“Participation of 4.47+ lakh educational institutions have ensured that the message of the Abhiyaan reaches children and youth of the country,” he added.

To tackle the issue of substance use, DoSJE has been implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) -- a centrally sponsored scheme.

It provides financial assistance to states, NGOs, and government hospitals for Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs), Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts, among others.

Further, DoSJE has also implemented a toll-free helpline for de-addiction -- 14446 -- for providing primary counselling and immediate referral services to persons seeking help through this helpline.

“More than 4.3 Lakh calls have been received, so far, on the helpline number,” Verma said.

DoSJE has also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with several spiritual organisations like The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, ISKCON, Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and All World Gayatri Pariwar to support NMBA and conduct mass awareness activities.

It is also spreading awareness on substance use through official social media accounts of the NMBA on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Numbers look impressive but is this just another government jumla? How many actual addicts have been rehabilitated? We need more de-addiction centers with proper facilities. Just awareness campaigns won't solve this deep-rooted problem.
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Aman W
As someone who lost a cousin to drug overdose, I appreciate this effort. But please focus more on colleges - that's where peer pressure starts. The helpline is a good step but needs more publicity in regional languages.
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Shreya B
Why only spiritual orgs? What about medical professionals? Addiction is a disease, not just lack of spirituality. The campaign should involve more psychiatrists and counselors. Good initiative but needs better balance.
V
Vikram M
👍 Great work by Modi government! The 4.3 lakh calls on helpline show people are seeking help. Next step should be strict action against drug peddlers. Awareness + enforcement is the key. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
They should make documentaries showing real stories of addicts and their families' suffering. TV and YouTube ads would reach more people than social media. Also include Bollywood stars - they influence youth the most!

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