As a part of the National Survey on Extent and pattern for Substance Use in India, in order to understand the pattern and profile of substance use among school and college students across the country, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E) conducted a multi-site   survey   in   2018-2019  as  a   Focused  Thematic  Study,  “Substance  Use among Students”. In this focused thematic study, ten different locations from across the country were selected as survey sites.

Rates of Substance use in the sample of school students (Sample size- 5920)

Rates of Substance use in the sample of college students (N-2533)

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Department for drug demand reduction in the country. To tackle the issue of substance use, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing National Action Plan for Drug Demand reduction (NAPDDR), a Centrally sponsored scheme under which following actions have been undertaken for rehabilitation and awareness of school children and minor youth:

1. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15^th August 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 272 identified vulnerable district and has now been extended to all districts across the country. The initiative aims to raise awareness about substance abuse, with a special focus on higher educational institutions, university campuses and schools. It also emphasizes identifying dependent individuals, providing counseling and treatment facilities in hospitals and rehabilitation centers and conducting capacity-building programs for service providers.
2. So far, various on-ground activities under NMBA have sensitized over 14.79 crore people, including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women. The campaign has engaged over 4.16 lakh educational institutions, ensuring that its message reaches children and young people across the country. Additionally, more-than 10,000 dedicated Master Volunteers (MVs) have been identified and trained to further strengthen the movement.
3. Developed Navchetna Modules (A New Consciousness on Life Skills and Drug Education for School Children)- teacher training modules. The Navchetna module aims to increase awareness against drugs and promote education on life skills among students in schools.
4. 46 Community based Peer Led intervention (CPLI) centres are supported by MoSJ&E. These CPLIs focus on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents to create awareness against drugs and teach life skills.
5. A Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is being maintained for providing primary counselling and immediate referral services to the persons seeking help through this helpline.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

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