Funding and Implementation of NMBA

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, was launched on 15th August 2020 to combat substance abuse across the country. Initially targeting 272 vulnerable districts, it is now extended to all districts. Key components and achievements of NMBA include:

• Funding and Implementation: Each district is allocated ₹10 lakh under the NMBA, with the funds being released to states based on their State Action Plan (SAP). However, no funds have been allocated to states/UTs for NMBA under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) during the current financial year.

• Awareness and Reach: NMBA aims to increase awareness about substance use focusing on educational institutions, rehabilitation facilities, and counselling services. As of now, 16.5 million individuals have been sensitized, including over 5.5 million youths and 3.43 million women.

• Educational Participation: More than 447,000 educational institutions are involved, and there is a cadre of over 20,000 trained Master Volunteers engaging in various awareness initiatives. The NMBA utilizes social media platforms and a dedicated mobile application for data collection and activity dissemination.

• National Pledge Initiative: The initiative includes a National Online Pledge against drug use, with over 16.7 million students from nearly 100,000 institutions committing to live drug-free.

• Outreach Programs: National events like 'Nashe se Azaadi' and 'Naya Bharat, Nasha Mukt Bharat' are regularly organized to strengthen engagement with youth and various stakeholders.

• Collaborative Framework: NMBA has established partnerships with six spiritual and social organizations to enhance awareness activities. A toll-free de-addiction helpline (14446) has also been set up, which has seen over 430,000 calls since its inception.

• International Observance: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is annually observed on 26th June to highlight the negative impacts of drug abuse.

• Special Focus on Border Areas: NMBA implementation includes tailored modules for border guarding forces and the establishment of de-addiction centers in these regions.

• Nationwide Pledge Event: A significant occurrence was held on 12th August 2024, during which around 30 million individuals from over 200,000 institutions participated in a mass pledge against substance abuse.

• State-level Participation: State governments are actively engaging in such initiatives through the formation of committees and regular meetings to ensure effective implementation at both state and district levels.

• Capacity Building Initiatives: The Department has developed 'Navchetna Modules' and training modules aimed at educating students (6th-11th standard), teachers, and parents about drug dependence and coping strategies.

• Monitoring and Review Mechanism: The implementation of NMBA is regularly reviewed via monthly meetings, workshops, and national conferences involving state governments and UTs, ensuring that the introduced measures are followed for effective execution.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma, in a written response in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling substance abuse through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

Key Points

• NMBA launched on 15th August 2020.
• ₹10 lakh fund allocation per district, no disbursement in the current financial year.
• Awareness campaign reaches over 16.5 million individuals.
• Participation from 447,000 educational institutions and 20,000 volunteer force.
• Over 1.67 crore students signed a drug-free pledge.
• Toll-free helpline received over 4.3 lakh calls.
• Observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse on 26th June.
• Mass pledge event on 12th August 2024 saw 3+ crore participants.
• State governments actively involved through dedicated committees.
• Navchetna training modules for students, teachers, and parents developed.
• Monthly reviews ensure adherence to NMBA implementation strategies.