New Delhi: In a significant move to combat substance abuse and raise awareness about the ill effects of addiction, a dedicated vehicle under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) launched today, February 14 in DAIC (De-Addiction cum Information Centre), Delhi-NCR. The inauguration will be graced by the presence of the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
NMBA, initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to address the pressing issue of substance use disorder in India. The program involves collaboration with religious and spiritual organizations to amplify its impact. As part of this initiative, a specialized vehicle will be employed for NMBA awareness activities in the Delhi-NCR region.
The ministry had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu, on March 4, 2023. This collaboration was established to disseminate the message of NMBA among various demographics, including youth, women, and students. Several programs have been conducted under the MoU to raise awareness and educate people about the detrimental effects of substance abuse.
Substance use disorder is recognized as a critical issue affecting not only individuals but also families and society at large. The NMBA focuses on viewing substance use and dependence as a psycho-social-medical problem, considering its far-reaching consequences on health and societal well-being.
According to the first comprehensive National Survey on the Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians, followed by cannabis and opioids.
To address the challenges posed by substance abuse, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). The plan encompasses various components, including preventive education, awareness generation, capacity building, skill development, vocational training, and support for ex-drug addicts.
In addition to NAPDDR, the ambitious NMBA is currently operational across the country. It aims to create awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse, particularly focusing on higher education institutes, university campuses, schools, and communities. The NMBA has achieved significant milestones, reaching out to over 10.74 crore people through on-ground activities, training 8,000 Master Volunteers, and actively engaging more than 3.38 crore youth in spreading the message against substance use.
The launch of the dedicated vehicle marks another step towards leveraging technology, social media, and community involvement to further the cause of creating a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Addiction-Free India). The vehicle will play a pivotal role in reaching out to diverse communities and raising awareness about the menace of substance abuse.