On February 14th, 2024, a vehicle dedicated to NMBA was launched at the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DAIC) in Delhi. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. This vehicle served as a platform for conducting NMBA awareness activities across Delhi-NCR, amplifying the reach and impact of the initiative.
Collaboration with Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu
- The collaboration between the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu, dated back to March 4th, 2023.
- A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to enlist the support of Brahma Kumaris in spreading the message of NMBA among various demographics, including youth, women, and students.
- Since then, Brahma Kumaris had been actively involved in organizing programs and activities to raise awareness about NMBA as outlined in the MoU.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder
- Substance use disorder posed a challenge to the social fabric of India. Beyond its effects on individual health, substance dependence could disrupt families and communities.
- The consumption of psychoactive substances often led to dependency, exacerbating the risk of neuro-psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, accidents, suicides, and violence.
- Addressing substance use and dependence required a comprehensive approach encompassing psychological, social, and medical interventions.
National Survey Findings
- According to the survey conducted by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment through the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at AIIMS, New Delhi:
- Alcohol ranked as the most commonly used psychoactive substance in India, followed by cannabis and opioids. These findings underscored the urgency of addressing substance abuse through targeted interventions.
National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
- To combat the menace of drug demand, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had been implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
- This scheme provided financial assistance to state governments, union territory administrations, and non-governmental organizations for various initiatives, including preventive education, capacity building, vocational training, and the establishment and maintenance of rehabilitation centers.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
- The Ministry had launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) with the objective of creating awareness about the adverse effects of substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
- The initiative focused on educational institutions, including higher education institutes, university campuses, and schools, while also engaging with communities to foster ownership and participation in the campaign.