New Delhi: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign has expanded treatment, rehabilitation and awareness services across the country as part of a broader effort to tackle substance use disorders through prevention, recovery and social reintegration.
The Ministry said substance use disorder remains a major public health and social challenge. Therefore, it has strengthened interventions under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). The programme focuses on prevention, awareness, capacity building, treatment and rehabilitation.
Officials cited findings from the 2019 national survey, which estimated that more than seven crore people were affected by substance use disorders. The figure included nearly 1.2 crore children and 58 lakh women. As a result, the government launched targeted initiatives to reduce drug demand and improve access to support services.
The Ministry said the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign, launched in 2020, has expanded community outreach and increased public participation in anti-drug efforts across India.
Nasha Mukt Bharat drives recovery and support services
According to the Ministry, 768 de-addiction and rehabilitation centres are now operating nationwide. Moreover, the number of people seeking treatment rose from 2.08 lakh in 2020 to more than 8.20 lakh in 2025, reflecting growing trust in support systems.
Officials highlighted success stories from different states. A regional cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir received treatment, counselling and follow-up care before returning to sports and volunteering for awareness campaigns. Similarly, a nursing lecturer from Manipur regained stability and employment after receiving treatment and rehabilitation support through a women-focused de-addiction centre.
The Ministry also strengthened support services through the toll-free helpline 14446. Officials said the helpline has received 4.69 lakh calls from individuals and families seeking assistance. In addition, NMBA App 2.0 enables real-time monitoring of awareness activities and stakeholder participation.
Furthermore, the Ministry outlined future priorities that include assessing the scale of substance abuse, strengthening treatment infrastructure, improving capacity building and expanding awareness programmes. It urged citizens, state governments and civil society organisations to support the vision of a drug-free India through collective action and community participation.
