Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan reaches 35.88 crore people; 198 district de-addiction centres now
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said on 12 November 2026 that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has reached more than 35.88 crore people so far. Over 14.35 crore youth and 11.33 crore women have been made aware through the campaign, and the number of district de-addiction centres in the country has risen to 198.
What this means for you
This campaign is about spreading awareness on the harms of drug use, especially among young people and families. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available through the district de-addiction centres and counselling services mentioned in the notice. Citizens who wish to can also register as a 'Nasha Mukti Mitra' and join the campaign as a volunteer.
Key facts
- Campaign reached over 35.88 crore people till 12 November 2026
- More than 14.35 crore youth and 11.33 crore women made aware
- Over 2 lakh citizens registered as 'Nasha Mukti Mitra'
- People taking treatment and counselling rose from 2.08 lakh in 2020-21 to over 9.11 lakh in 2025-26
- Total district de-addiction centres in the country now 198
- Campaign began on 15 August 2020; applied in all districts from 15 August 2023
What the campaign is
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, launched on 15 August 2020. It is a nationwide awareness campaign against drug abuse. According to the ministry, it has now grown into a people’s movement in which state governments, districts, educational institutions, civil society organisations and local stakeholders take part.
How far it has reached
Till 12 November 2026, the campaign had reached more than 35.88 crore people. These include over 14.35 crore youth and 11.33 crore women. The ministry said that in 2021 the reach was only about 1.4 crore people. More than 34.07 lakh awareness activities have been held in educational institutions, encouraging students and young people to discuss the harms of drug use.
Which districts it covers
The campaign began in 272 districts identified as especially vulnerable to drug use. In August 2022 it was expanded to 372 districts, and since 15 August 2023 it has been in force in all districts of the country.
Treatment and counselling
Along with awareness, the ministry has strengthened treatment and counselling services. The number of people taking treatment and counselling rose from 2.08 lakh in 2020-21 to more than 9.11 lakh in 2025-26. The country now has 198 district de-addiction centres.
What is Nasha Mukti Mitra
Nasha Mukti Mitra is a key part of the campaign, in which citizens join as volunteers to spread awareness and help those in need reach support. More than 2 lakh citizens had registered as Nasha Mukti Mitra till 12 November 2026.
Why the campaign was started
According to the ministry, the first national survey in 2018 showed that more than 7 crore people in the country were affected by substance use disorders, including about 1.2 crore children and 58 lakh women. To deal with this challenge, the ministry started the campaign as a major awareness effort under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), which focuses on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Questions and answers
When did the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan start?
The campaign was started on 15 August 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It began in 272 districts identified as especially vulnerable to drug use.
What is Nasha Mukti Mitra and how can I join?
Nasha Mukti Mitra is a part of the campaign in which citizens join as volunteers to spread awareness. More than 2 lakh citizens had registered as Nasha Mukti Mitra till 12 November 2026.
Where can someone get help for drug addiction?
The ministry has strengthened treatment and counselling services, and there are now 198 district de-addiction centres in the country. More than 9.11 lakh people took treatment and counselling in 2025-26.
Which districts does the campaign cover?
Since 15 August 2023 the campaign has been in force in all districts of the country. It was earlier expanded to 372 districts in August 2022.
Do ordinary citizens have to do anything under this campaign?
The campaign mainly runs on awareness and community participation. Those who wish can register as Nasha Mukti Mitra, and people who need help can use the treatment and counselling services.
Glossary
- LOC (List of Candidates)
- The official list of students who will sit a board exam, sent by the school to the board.
Source: PIB, "नशा मुक्त भारत अभियान के तहत अब तक 35.88 करोड़ से अधिक लोगों को जागरूकता अभियान का लाभ; 14.35 करोड़ से अधिक युवाओं और 11.33 करोड़ महिलाओं को किया गया जागरूक", 12 November 2026. Read the original notice
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