More than 8.20 lakh individuals are currently benefiting from treatment and rehabilitation services provided by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment at 768 de-addiction centers nationwide. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, has emphasized the need for collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including the public, state governments, and civil society.
Secretary Sudhansh Pant highlighted the Ministry’s expansion of services through 768 de-addiction and rehabilitation centers, with a significant 294% rise in individuals seeking treatment without discrimination, reaching over 8.20 lakh in 2025 from 2.08 lakh in 2020. Minister Virendra Kumar reiterated the government’s dedication to establishing a drug-free society through a comprehensive approach involving all sectors.
The Ministry’s focus on combating substance abuse was underscored by the results of a nationwide survey conducted in 2019, revealing that more than 7 crore individuals, including 1.2 crore children and 58 lakh women, were affected by substance use disorder. Minister Virendra Kumar stressed the importance of awareness, people-centric interventions, and shared responsibility in addressing substance abuse issues.
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the ‘National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)’ to address prevention, awareness, treatment, and social reintegration. The initiative aligns with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) launched in 2020 to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India. The recent Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah saw the participation of over 1.31 crore citizens, furthering the campaign’s objectives.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment encourages citizens, institutions, and youth organizations to support the national movement towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat, Khushhaal Bharat. The Ministry’s toll-free de-addiction helpline, 14446, has received 4.69 lakh calls, serving as a vital resource for individuals and families seeking assistance. The launch of the NMBA App 2.0 aims to enhance data reporting and citizen engagement in the fight against substance abuse.
