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The Indian government has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing fight against drug abuse: more than 16.5 crore Indians, including youth and women, have been sensitised to the dangers of substance abuse through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). This major outreach effort, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in August 2020, targets both awareness and rehabilitation at a national scale.
The NMBA focuses on high-risk districts across the country, deploying a combination of awareness campaigns, community engagement, and free treatment centres to tackle substance abuse. Over 27.7 lakh individuals have received treatment and rehabilitation support under the initiative, which currently operates more than 730 free rehabilitation centres nationwide. In addition, over 10,000 master volunteers have been trained to conduct awareness drives and support recovery efforts.
Officials highlight that the campaign is not limited to enforcement but is a people-centric movement. Special emphasis has been placed on engaging students, women, and vulnerable populations through mass awareness programmes, campus events, and collaboration with schools, colleges, and community organisations. Digital tools like the NMBA mobile app and a national helpline (14446) help ensure citizens in need can access support and information at the grassroots level.
The campaign aligns with India’s National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), further reinforcing efforts through financial support for treatment, outreach, and rehabilitation centres.
The government continues to stress the collective responsibility in making the nation drug-free, urging all sections of society, particularly the youth, to join the effort and transform NMBA into a people-led “Jan Andolan”—a true mass movement for a healthier and more empowered India.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the latest government statements and publicly available data as of August 2025. The information is for awareness and public interest only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Readers seeking support or information regarding substance abuse are encouraged to contact official helplines or consult accredited healthcare professionals.
