The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced a nationwide National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse on 18 August 2026 to mark the 6th anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The Ministry aims to mobilise citizens and all stakeholders through both physical and online participation across the country.

A high-level coordination meeting chaired by Dr. Sandeep Rewaji Rathod, Joint Secretary (Drug Prevention), was held here in national capital, with senior representatives from various ministries and departments to finalise the implementation strategy.

The meeting discussed the plan and the comprehensive strategy to ensure the participation of the target number of citizens in nationwide pledge through physical and online mode in line with the objectives of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

The meeting discussed the role of Line Ministries and Departments in mobilising officers, officials, students, parents, volunteers and other stakeholders for the nationwide pledge. The meeting discussed organising pledge ceremonies across all affiliated offices, educational institutions, autonomous bodies, PSUs and field formations under respective Ministries and Departments including Railway, Defence, Police, CAPF, AYUSH, Rural Development, Revenue besides social, voluntary, spiritual organizations and social influencers.

The nomination of nodal officers for coordination with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and Uniform Reporting Mechanism for submission of participation details and outreach, was also discussed in the meeting. The plan and coordinated strategy was discussed threadbare which witnessed active deliberations by all the representatives from the Line Departments and the Ministries.

NMBA Pledge is an initiative to volunteer for reaching out to the victims of drug addiction. The pledge aims to encourage responsible behaviour to instil a sense of responsibility among people to stay away from drugs, to promote and foster sense of Unity and Commitment for encouraging stakeholders to work together towards a common goal. The Pledge further seeks to empower youth to contribute actively to developing a drug-free society.

The meeting also highlighted to focus on the striking message to promote and encourage Drug De-addiction through Helpline—14446. The meeting also focussed on the evolving spirit among citizens to act as volunteers by registering as Nasha Mukti Mitr through Department’s official website.

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) on 15th August 2020 to combat drug demand in the country. Recognising the urgent need for collective action, the Ministry coordinates various initiatives including prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, public information dissemination, and community awareness.

As the drug addiction in India has long been a silent crisis impacting individuals, families and communities across both urban and rural landscapes, the NMBA initially targeted 272 vulnerable districts. As on date, the NMBA has expanded nationwide reaching over 29.26 crore individuals, including more than 11.17 crore youth, 7.90 crore women, 28.30 Lakh persons treated and rehabilitated while undertaking outreach activities in 21.34 Lakh educational institutions across the country while the number is increasing with each day.

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar said that Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is one prime nation building initiative which focuses on the healthy and disciplined youth. He said that NMBA has brought together the regulatory agencies like Narcotics Bureau, State and District Government, Police, NGOs, Hospitals, etc. to work together in a coordinated manner to make India drug-free.

Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale said that Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a flagship campaign to enhance the evidence based approach towards substance abuse. He said that the approach of the Abhiyaan is contemporary to engage youth and comprehensive to converge the activities undertaken by all the stakeholders for a common goal of making India free of substance abuse.

Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri B. L. Verma said that Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a national initiative focused on achieving a Drug-Free India which actively involves youth, women and community members, with particular emphasis on higher education institutions, youth clubs and women's groups. He said that the campaign aims to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, reaching out to every citizen. Shri Verma added that through early prevention and community engagement, this movement strives to foster a healthier and happier society, encouraging a collective effort towards eliminating substance abuse.

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TAR/GA