Govt strengthens drug prevention at grassroots via Panchayati Raj under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The government is leveraging Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to combat drug abuse at the grassroots level under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA). This was highlighted in a Rajya Sabha reply by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma, on July 29, 2026.
Background
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) is a flagship program of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at creating a drug-free India. It focuses on awareness generation, community mobilization, and capacity building. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) provides financial support to states for preventive education and awareness activities.
Key facts
Government is strengthening grassroots drug prevention through Panchayati Raj Institutions under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA).
Panchayat resource persons are being identified and appointed as 'Nasha Mukti Mitra' (NMM) to make villages drug-free.
NMMs promote the NMBA pledge against substance abuse through online and offline campaigns.
They also promote the use of NMBA logo, mascot, and national drug de-addiction helpline 14446.
No separate scheme exists for integrating PRIs with NAPDDR specifically for drug awareness at village level.
Under NAPDDR's State Action Plan (SAP) component, financial assistance is provided to states for preventive education, awareness, capacity building, and demand reduction activities.
Himachal Pradesh was not released any funds in FY 2023-24 and 2024-25, but received Rs. 1.34 crore in 2025-26 for SAP activities.
The initiative aims to create a people-led movement against drug abuse involving local communities and volunteers.
Government is strengthening NMBA with active participation of PRIs, community volunteers, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.
Prelims pointers
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)
- National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
- Nasha Mukti Mitra (NMM)
- National drug de-addiction helpline: 14446
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
- State Action Plan (SAP) component of NAPDDR
- Himachal Pradesh: Rs. 1.34 crore released in 2025-26
Mains angles
- Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in social issues like drug abuse prevention
- Government schemes for drug demand reduction: NMBA and NAPDDR
- Community participation and people-led movements in public health
- Challenges in implementing drug prevention at grassroots level