Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan crosses 35 crore people in outreach
Why in the news
On 22 October 2026 the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has now reached more than 35 crore people across India.
Key facts
- Total reach: over 35 crore people.
- Youth: 13.94 crore; women: 10.86 crore.
- Educational institutions: more than 32 lakh schools and colleges engaged.
- Target 2029: the ministry cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s goal of ending the drug trade in India by 31 December 2029.
- Helpline 14446: toll-free National De-addiction Helpline run by MoSJE.
| Group | People reached |
|---|---|
| All people | Over 35 crore |
| Youth | 13.94 crore |
| Women | 10.86 crore |
| Educational institutions | Over 32 lakh |
About Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
- Launched: 15 August 2020, first in 272 districts judged most vulnerable to substance abuse; extended to the whole country from August 2023.
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
- Framework: National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), which covers prevention, awareness, treatment, rehabilitation and return to society.
- The campaign works through youth clubs, women’s groups, schools and volunteers called Nashamukt Mitras.
- NMBA focuses on cutting demand for drugs; supply control such as policing is handled by other agencies.
Exam angle
- Remember the launch date (15 August 2020), the first 272 districts and the nodal ministry (MoSJE).
- Do not mix up the helplines: 14446 is for de-addiction, 1933 (MANAS) is for reporting drug trafficking, and 14416 is Tele-MANAS for mental health.
- The NDPS Act, 1985 and Article 47 (a Directive Principle) form the legal background.