The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a special initiative associating with religious and spiritual organizations for awareness activities, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is launching a dedicated vehicle. This launch, scheduled for today, 14th February 2024, at 4:00 pm in DAIC, will be graced by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. The vehicle is designated for NMBA awareness activities in the Delhi-NCR region.
Previously, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu on 4th March 2023. This collaboration is part of the efforts to disseminate the message of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan among various groups, including youth, women, and students. Brahma Kumaris have conducted several programs under NMBA to raise awareness about substance use disorders.
Substance use disorder is a significant concern in India, impacting not only individual health but also family dynamics and societal stability. Regular consumption of psychoactive substances can lead to various health issues, including neuro-psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases, as well as contributing to accidents, suicides, and violence. Alcohol, followed by Cannabis and Opioids, is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in India.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), providing financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and NGOs/VOs. The NAPDDR supports a range of initiatives, including preventive education, awareness generation, capacity building, skill development, vocational training, and livelihood support for ex-drug addicts.
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, operational across the country, aims to create awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse, focusing on higher education institutes, university campuses, schools, and community involvement. The Abhiyaan has reached out to over 10.74 crore people through various activities, trained 8,000 Master Volunteers, involved over 3.38 crore youth, and garnered the participation of 2.27 crore women through Anganwadi & ASHA workers, ANMs, Mahila Mandals, and Women SHGs. The campaign has effectively used technology and social media, developed an Android-based mobile app for real-time data capture, and geo-tagged de-addiction facilities for public access.