Overview
The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced on 29 July 2026 a 100‑week, nation‑wide drive against drug abuse. The campaign, named ‘Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 August 2026.
Key Developments
- Launch of the campaign by the Prime Minister on 2 August 2026.
- Weekly activities every Sunday – walk‑athons, sports, meditation, street plays, and art competitions.
- Target of >1 crore youth participation across 10,000 locations simultaneously.
- Involvement of MY Bharat volunteers, schools, colleges, NGOs, and 125+ spiritual organisations.
- Recognition of outstanding contributors at the 50th, 75th, and 100th week milestones.
Important Facts
- According to the Narcotics Control Bureau 2025 report, 1.34 lakh kg of narcotic drugs were seized, valued at roughly ₹1,980 crore.
- Illegal opium cultivation destroyed rose to 42,282 acres in 2025, up from 10,000 acres in 2020.
- More than 1 crore youngsters are expected to take the Nasha Mukti Pledge during the launch.
Exam Relevance
The initiative touches upon several GS papers. It illustrates the role of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Prime Minister in policy‑making (GS2). The scale of drug seizures and market value provides data for questions on illicit economies and law‑enforcement challenges (GS3). The campaign’s emphasis on youth mobilisation, ethical pledges, and societal well‑being aligns with topics in GS4 (ethics, social justice). Understanding the functioning of the NCB also aids in answering governance‑related queries.
Way Forward
For effective implementation, the government should:
- Strengthen coordination between MY Bharat, educational institutions, and law‑enforcement agencies.
- Expand rehabilitation and counseling services for drug‑affected individuals.
- Use data‑driven monitoring to assess the impact of weekly activities and pledge‑taking.
- Promote community‑based awareness programmes in rural and urban areas alike.
These steps can help sustain the momentum of the 100‑week campaign and contribute to a drug‑free India.