The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced a National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse to be undertaken on 18th August 2026, commemorating the 6th anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The Ministry aims to mobilize citizens and all stakeholders through both physical and online participation across the country.
A high-level coordination meeting chaired by Dr. Sandeep Rewaji Rathod, Joint Secretary (Drug Prevention), was held with senior representatives from various ministries and departments to finalize the implementation strategy. The meeting discussed the comprehensive strategy to ensure participation of target citizens through physical and online modes, with focus on 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.
The meeting also discussed nomination of nodal officers for coordination with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and establishing a Uniform Reporting Mechanism for submission of participation details and outreach. The pledge aims to encourage responsible behavior to 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.
Special emphasis was placed on promoting drug de-addiction through 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 campaign has achieved significant reach, with over 29.26 crore individuals contacted including more than 11.17 crore youth, 7.90 crore women, and 28.30 lakh persons treated and rehabilitated. Outreach activities have been conducted in 21.34 lakh educational institutions across the country, with these numbers increasing daily. The campaign initially targeted 272 vulnerable districts but has now expanded nationwide, bringing together regulatory agencies like Narcotics Bureau, State and District Government, Police, NGOs, and Hospitals to work in a coordinated manner to make India drug-free.