Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan: PM Launches Nationwide

Prime Minister Launches Nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan Initiative

Why in the News ?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 100-week ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign to promote a drug-free youth population, strengthen public awareness against substance abuse, and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan Initiative

Key Features of ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’

  • The Prime Minister launched the 100-week ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ through a nationwide virtual event involving over one crore youth from 28,000+ locations across the country.
  • The campaign seeks to build a drug-free, healthy, and empowered youth population, recognizing young people as the “Amrit Generation” that will shape the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
  • It emphasizes that physical fitness, mental well-being, and freedom from substance abuse are essential for achieving inclusive national development.
  • The initiative, which began as a pilot project in Kashi (Varanasi), has now been expanded into a nationwide movement.
  • The campaign adopts a whole-of-society approach, encouraging the participation of educational institutions, families, community organizations, and civil society.

Implementation Strategy and Significance

  • The campaign will run for 100 weeks, with dedicated activities every Sunday to engage youth in constructive and healthy pursuits.
  • Activities will include:

○   Sports and physical fitness

○   Yoga and meditation

○   Art and cultural programmes

○   Awareness campaigns

○   Community participation

  • The initiative promotes a preventive approach by encouraging positive lifestyle choices, while also highlighting the importance of modern rehabilitation centres, counselling, and social support for individuals recovering from addiction.
  • The campaign aims to reduce the social, economic, and health impacts of drug abuse, while fostering responsible citizenship and nation-building.
  • It aligns with the broader objective of creating a healthy, productive, and skilled workforce capable of contributing to India’s long-term development.

About Drug Abuse Prevention in India:

●  Drug Abuse: The harmful or excessive use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or other addictive substances that adversely affect physical, mental, and social well-being.

●  Major Causes:

○   Peer pressure

○   Unemployment

○   Mental health issues

○   Easy availability of drugs

○   Family and social problems

●  Government Initiatives:

○   Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) – Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to create awareness and reduce substance abuse.

○   National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) – Focuses on awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, counselling, and capacity building.

○   Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 – Provides the legal framework to control narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.