Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign Expands Reach as Treatment Numbers Surge

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), introduced in 2020, further expanded these efforts by taking the campaign directly to communities and encouraging public participation.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has strengthened its nationwide response under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), placing equal importance on awareness, recovery and social reintegration. Substance use disorder continues to pose a serious challenge across the country, affecting millions of individuals and their families while creating social and economic consequences. The issue gained national attention after the Ministry's first comprehensive survey on substance use, released in 2019, revealed that more than seven crore people were affected. The findings included nearly 1.2 crore children and 58 lakh women, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.

Recovery Efforts Focus on Treatment and Reintegration

To address the growing challenge, the Ministry launched NAPDDR as a framework that covers prevention, awareness campaigns, capacity building, treatment services and rehabilitation support. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), introduced in 2020, further expanded these efforts by taking the campaign directly to communities and encouraging public participation.

The impact of these initiatives can be seen in the stories of people who have successfully rebuilt their lives. In Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district, a 25-year-old regional cricketer overcame substance dependence after receiving free treatment, counselling and psychological support at a de-addiction centre. His recovery enabled him to return to sports and later contribute as a volunteer in anti-drug awareness activities.

A similar story emerged from Manipur's Imphal West district, where a nursing lecturer regained stability and financial independence after receiving treatment at a women-focused de-addiction centre. The support included counselling, rehabilitation and family engagement, helping her maintain sobriety and resume her professional career.

Growing Access to Services Across India

The Ministry has significantly expanded treatment infrastructure over the past few years. Today, 768 de-addiction and rehabilitation centres are operating across the country, providing support to people seeking recovery.

Public confidence in these services has grown steadily. The number of individuals accessing treatment increased from 2.08 lakh in 2020 to more than 8.20 lakh in 2025, representing a rise of nearly 294 percent. This sharp increase reflects greater awareness as well as improved access to support systems. The toll-free de-addiction helpline, 14446, has also become an important resource for families and individuals seeking guidance. The service has received more than 4.69 lakh calls, serving as an accessible entry point for treatment and counselling.

Building a People-Led Movement

Technology is playing a larger role in the campaign through the NMBA App 2.0, which enables states, districts and partner organisations to upload activity data and monitor outreach efforts in real time. The vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat is being pursued as a nationwide people's movement that encourages participation from governments, institutions, civil society groups and citizens alike.

The Ministry has urged people to take the pledge for a drug-free India through the official Nasha Mukt Bharat platform and support efforts aimed at building a healthier, safer and more productive society.