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Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: How 25 Crore Indians Were Sensitized Against Drugs

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has made significant strides in combating drug abuse in India. Launched in 2020, it has now been expanded to cover every district in the country. The program has successfully sensitized a massive 25 crore people, with a strong focus on youth and educational institutions. It also provides crucial support through rehabilitation centers and a national helpline.

Key Points: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Reaches 25 Crore Indians Against Drug Abuse

  • Campaign launched in 2020 across 272 vulnerable districts, now extended nationwide
  • Reached 8.7+ crore youth and 6.0+ crore women through awareness drives
  • Over 12 lakh educational institutions participated to target children and students
  • Includes a toll-free helpline (14446) that has received over 4.3 lakh calls for support
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Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan sensitised nearly 25 cr Indians against drug abuse: Govt

Govt reports Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan sensitized nearly 25 crore people, including youth and women, against substance abuse across all districts.

"Till now, through the various activities undertaken on-ground, 24.9+ crore people have been sensitized on substance use. - Union Minister B.L. Verma"

New Delhi, Dec 2

Nearly 25 crore Indians have been sensitised against drug abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), the government told the Parliament on Tuesday.

NMBA was launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020 to fight the growing concern of drug addiction in 272 of the most vulnerable districts in the country.

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 Lok Sabha.

The national campaign intends to reach out to the masses and spread awareness about substance use with a focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses, and schools.

"Till now, through the various activities undertaken on-ground, 24.9+ crore people have been sensitized on substance use, including 8.7+ crore youth and 6.0+ Crore Women," Verma said.

"Participation of 12.15+ Lakh educational institutions has ensured that the message of the Abhiyaan reaches children and youth of the country," he added.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Ministry for drug demand reduction in the country.

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.

Under the NAPDDR scheme, "349 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), 45 community-based peer-led Intervention (cpLI) programmes with children below 18 have been created to build awareness against drugs".

Other activities undertaken include 76 outreach and drop-in centers (oDICs), 154 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in Government hospitals, and 139 District De-Addiction centres.

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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative! But the real test is on-ground impact. Are these awareness sessions actually changing behavior in vulnerable districts? We need to see data on reduction in first-time users and relapse rates. The numbers sound good, but let's focus on outcomes.
R
Rohit P
Finally a government scheme that seems to be working! 12 lakh+ educational institutions is no joke. As a parent, I'm relieved they are targeting schools. We need to protect our children from this menace. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
The focus on 6 crore women is important. Substance abuse affects entire families, and women are often the silent sufferers or the pillars of support for recovery. More power to this campaign.
V
Vikram M
Awareness is the first step. But we also need stronger action against the suppliers and peddlers. The rehabilitation centers are good, but we must cut the supply chain, especially in border states. Both demand and supply reduction must go hand in hand.
K
Kavya N
The toll-free number is a lifesaver. 4.3 lakh calls shows people are seeking help. We need to reduce the stigma around addiction so more people can call without fear. This abhiyaan is doing God's work. ❤️

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