“Repercussions of substance use are not confined to the individual and his family, they ripple outward, affecting communities and contributing to broad societal changes and social stigma”, observed Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma during the celebration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in New Delhi today.

The Minister highlighted and appreciated the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) scheme of the Ministry and explained how Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) has helped in reducing the demand of drugs. He hailed the efforts of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, in which the message - ‘Say No to Drugs and Say Yes to Life’ – would play a seminal role.

Hon’ble Shri B. L. Verma, Minister of State, MoSJ&E, administered the pledge for a drug-free India during the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at DAIC, New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/0QU0riy3Q0
— Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI (@MSJEGOI) June 26, 2025

Each year, 26^th June is observed as the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’. This year the event included cultural programmes on drug prevention, mass pledge to create awareness about the importance of prevention and treatment of drug abuse, distribution of prizes to the winners of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan competitions organized on MyGov, etc.

As part of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking celebrations, prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan painting and comic competitions held on the MyGov platform. pic.twitter.com/Sciyuk1ewy
— Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI (@MSJEGOI) June 26, 2025

The nukkad natak and pantomime performance during the event enlightened the audience on how substance use disorder is an issue which is adversely affecting the social fabric of the country. Dependence to any substance not only affects the individual’s health but also disrupts their families and the whole society. Regular consumption of various psychoactive substances leads to dependence of the individual. Some substance compounds may lead to neuro-psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, as well as accidents, suicides and violence. Substance use and dependence needs to be viewed as a psycho-social-medical problem, the performances highlighted.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Ministry for drug demand reduction in the country. It has initiated the ambitious Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), which is currently operational in all districts of the country with an aim to create awareness about ill effects of substance abuse among the youth, with special focus on higher education institutes, university campuses, schools and reaching out into the community and garnering community involvement and ownership of the Abhiyaan. Latest achievements under NMBA are as below:

The programme witnessed participation of approximately 700 stakeholders, including Ministry officials, representatives of Central Ministries, spiritual organizations, academic institutions, NGOs/ Voluntary Organizations, Corporations of the Department, youth volunteers, etc. As a run-up to the day, all the States/UTs and NGOs/ VOs supported by the Department under NAPDDR across the country were requested to organize and conduct awareness programmes/events under NMBA from 1^st - 26^th June 2025. With this programme, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment ensures to reach out the Abhiyaan in whole Country as Jan Andolan.

Video Link of the Event: https://www.youtube.com/live/iuTaaFv8h6E?feature=shared

*****

VM/GS

Verma Press Release