Overview
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a significant community-driven drug demand reduction movement, marked its fifth anniversary with a national celebration at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. The event, held on November 18, 2025, saw participation from over 10,000 individuals, including students, BSF personnel, Self-Help Groups, and spiritual organizations. The program was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, and the Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar.
Key Developments
National Celebration
- Location: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Date: November 18, 2025
- Participants: Over 10,000, including students, BSF personnel, SHGs, and spiritual organizations
Prime Minister's Message
A special message from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was read out, emphasizing the importance of collective resolve and active citizen participation, especially the youth, in achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Digital Initiatives
Four new digital initiatives were launched by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, to further strengthen the NMBA. These included the launch of three portals and one app, aimed at enhancing the reach and effectiveness of the Abhiyaan.
Nationwide Participation
The celebration witnessed unprecedented nationwide participation, with over 6 crore persons engaging through physical and virtual modes. Events were held in all States and Union Territories at more than 2,10,000 locations.
Key Achievements of NMBA (2020–2025)
- Sensitization: Over 23.74 crore persons sensitized, including 8.09 crore youth and 5.49 crore women.
- Educational Institutions: Participation of more than 17 lakh educational institutions.
- De-addiction Treatment: A 427% increase in persons seeking de-addiction treatment (from 1.86 lakh in 2020-21 to 7.98 lakh in 2024-25).
- Recovered Persons: 5.72 lakh recovered persons now actively contributing to the Abhiyaan.
- Master Volunteers: Over 20,000 dedicated Master Volunteers.
- De-addiction Facilities: Increased from 490 to 780.
- Spiritual Organizations: Collaboration with spiritual organizations reaching 3.37 crore individuals.
- Helpline: Toll-free Helpline 14446 operational; integration with MANAS and upcoming TELEMANAS.
UPSC Relevance
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. It directly aligns with GS2 (Social Justice), addressing issues related to vulnerable sections, government policies, and social sector development. It also connects to GS3 (Social Issues), particularly concerning health, drug abuse, and rehabilitation. The Abhiyaan's focus on community participation and empowerment is relevant for GS1 (Social Empowerment).
Exam Perspective
- Prelims: Focus on factual data such as the launch year, implementing ministry, key statistics (number of people sensitized, increase in de-addiction treatment), and helpline number.
- Mains: Analyze the effectiveness of NMBA, its impact on reducing drug demand, the role of various stakeholders, and challenges in implementation.
- Essay: Consider themes such as the role of social movements in addressing societal challenges, the importance of community participation in governance, and building a healthy and drug-free society.