Substance use disorder remains a pressing issue impacting the societal fabric of India, significantly affecting not only individual health but also disrupting families and communities. The National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India conducted by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment highlighted that alcohol, cannabis, and opioids rank among the most commonly used psychoactive substances in India.
To combat the escalating drug issue, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), Government of India, has been executing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). This comprehensive scheme offers financial support to State Governments and Union Territories for preventive education, awareness generation, skill development, vocational training, and rehabilitation support for ex-drug addicts.
The Ministry introduced the ambitious Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in 2020 across all districts in the country. NMBA focuses on creating awareness about the adverse effects of substance abuse among the youth, with a particular emphasis on educational institutions, universities, schools, and community engagement. The initiative has witnessed substantial accomplishments:
- More than 10.72 crore individuals have been reached through various on-ground activities.
- 8,000 Master Volunteers have been trained to lead NMBA activities in districts.
- Over 3.38 crore youths have actively participated in spreading anti-substance use messages.
- The involvement of 2.27 crore women, including Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and women SHGs, has been pivotal in community outreach.
- Utilization of technology and social media platforms for disseminating the Abhiyaan’s message.
- Development of an Android-based mobile application for real-time activity data collection.
- Geo-tagging of all de-addiction facilities for easy accessibility by the public.
Under NMBA, an important initiative involves collaborating with religious and spiritual organizations to expand the campaign’s reach. The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment signed an MoU with the Shri Ramchandra Mission to propagate NMBA’s message among youth, women, students, and communities.
At the MoU signing ceremony, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar highlighted NMBA’s role as a mass movement and its strategic events like the National Pledge Against Drug Abuse and NCC Interaction involving stakeholders. Stressing the significance of spiritual organizations’ involvement, the Minister expressed confidence in the collaboration’s positive impact on society’s mental, emotional, and physical strength.
Shri Kamlesh D. Patel (Daaji), President, Shri Ramchandra Mission, commended the Ministry for the mass campaign against drugs. He emphasized the need for a supportive familial and social environment to prevent and overcome substance use and affirmed the Shri Ramchandra Mission’s commitment to NMBA and creating a substance-free India.
This MoU signing underscores the commitment to the NMBA initiative, aiming to sensitize India about drug abuse and propel the country towards a drug-free future.