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.

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.