The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced a National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse scheduled for 18 August 2026, commemorating the 6th anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The ministry aims to mobilize over 12 crore citizens through both physical and online participation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to lead the pledge ceremony.
A high-level coordination meeting chaired by Dr. Sandeep Rewaji Rathod, Joint Secretary (Drug Prevention), was held in the national capital with senior representatives from various ministries and departments to finalize implementation strategy. The meeting discussed mobilizing officers, officials, students, parents, volunteers and other stakeholders through pledge ceremonies across all affiliated offices, educational institutions, autonomous bodies, PSUs and field formations under respective Ministries including Railway, Defence, Police, CAPF, AYUSH, Rural Development, and Revenue departments.
The NMBA pledge initiative aims to encourage responsible behavior, instill a sense of responsibility among people to stay away from drugs, promote unity and commitment among stakeholders, and empower youth to contribute to developing a drug-free society. The meeting also emphasized promoting the drug de-addiction helpline 14446 and encouraging citizens to register as Nasha Mukti Mitr volunteers through the department's official website.
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched on 15th August 2020 to combat drug demand in the country through prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, public information dissemination, and community awareness. The program initially targeted 272 vulnerable districts and has now expanded nationwide, reaching over 29.26 crore individuals including more than 11.17 crore youth, 7.90 crore women, with 28.30 lakh persons treated and rehabilitated. Outreach activities have been conducted in 21.34 lakh educational institutions across the country.
Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar stated that NMBA is a prime nation-building initiative focusing on healthy and disciplined youth, bringing together regulatory agencies like Narcotics Bureau, state and district government, police, NGOs, and hospitals in a coordinated manner. Minister of State Shri Ramdas Athawale described it as a flagship campaign enhancing evidence-based approaches to substance abuse, while Minister of State Shri B. L. Verma emphasized its focus on achieving a Drug-Free India through youth, women, and community engagement with particular emphasis on higher education institutions, youth clubs and women's groups.