Government to Observe International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) of the Government of India is set to host a significant event on June 26, 2025, to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The occasion will be graced by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, along with senior officials from the department. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and promote awareness about its detrimental effects, particularly among the youth.
Government’s Role in Drug Demand Reduction
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) serves as the primary agency for drug demand reduction in India. It is responsible for coordinating and monitoring various aspects of drug abuse prevention, including assessing the extent of the problem, implementing preventive measures, and facilitating treatment and rehabilitation for users. The MoSJE has launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. This initiative targets educational institutions, including universities and schools, and seeks to engage communities in the fight against drug abuse.
The NMBA is operational in all districts across the country, focusing on educating the youth about the risks associated with substance use. The campaign emphasizes community involvement, encouraging local ownership of the initiative to foster a more profound impact. By reaching out to various stakeholders, the MoSJE aims to create a supportive environment for those affected by substance use disorders.
Achievements of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has made significant strides since its inception. To date, over 15.78 crore individuals have been educated about substance use, including more than 5.26 crore youth and 3.31 crore women. The campaign has garnered participation from over 4.31 lakh educational institutions, ensuring that its message reaches a broad audience of children and young adults.
Additionally, the initiative has trained a robust network of over 20,000 Master Volunteers who play a crucial role in disseminating information and organizing events. The campaign utilizes social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness and engage with the public. Furthermore, the NMBA has developed a mobile application that collects data on its activities, providing real-time updates on progress at the district, state, and national levels. The NMBA website offers comprehensive information about the campaign, including an online discussion forum and a platform for pledging to remain drug-free.
Addressing Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorder poses a significant challenge to the social fabric of India. It affects not only the health of individuals but also disrupts families and communities. Regular consumption of psychoactive substances can lead to severe health issues, including neuro-psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases, as well as increased risks of accidents, suicides, and violence. Therefore, addressing substance use and dependence is essential from a psychosocial and medical perspective.
In recognition of the gravity of this issue, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on June 26. The DoSJE has urged all states, union territories, and non-governmental organizations supported under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) to conduct awareness programs from June 1 to June 26, 2025. This initiative aims to mobilize the entire country in a collective effort to combat drug abuse, transforming the campaign into a nationwide movement.
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