On the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is set to mark its fifth anniversary with a significant national event. Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, will administer a mass pledge against drug abuse to students at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, on August 12, 2024. The theme of this year’s pledge is ‘Viksit Bharat ka Mantra, Bharat ho Nashe se Swatantra,’ emphasizing the vision of a developed and drug-free India.
This nationwide pledge-taking ceremony is organized by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. It will see widespread participation from representatives of State and UT Governments, Central Ministries, and students from various educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, IITs, IIMs, and other public institutions. Many participants will join the event online, underlining the broad reach of the initiative.
Substance use disorder continues to pose a significant challenge to India’s social fabric, impacting individuals, families, and communities. Recognizing the severe consequences of substance dependence, which include neuro-psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, accidents, suicides, and violence, the NMBA aims to address this issue as a psycho-social-medical problem.
The NMBA, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on August 15, 2020, has been actively implemented across all districts since August 2023. The campaign focuses on spreading awareness in higher educational institutions and identifying and assisting those affected by substance use. It also seeks to enhance treatment facilities, rehabilitation centers, and capacity-building programs for service providers.
