The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is organizing a nationwide mass pledge-taking ceremony against drug abuse (Image Source: Press Information Bureau)

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar Leads Nationwide Pledge Against Drug Abuse

Mass Pledge Ceremony in New Delhi marks 5th Anniversary of Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyaan, promoting 'Drug-Free India' Vision

Published on:

13 Aug 2024, 5:00 am

Marking a dual milestone India commemorates its 78th Independence Day as the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) completes four years and embarks on its fifth year reinforcing the nations commitment to freedom from drug addiction. To mark this milestone, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is organizing a nationwide mass pledge-taking ceremony against drug abuse.

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar will administer the pledge to students at Modern School, New Delhi, on August 12, 2024. The theme for this year's event is "Viksit Bharat ka Mantra, Bharat ho Nashe se Swatantra" (Developed India's mantra, India free from addiction).

Representatives from state and union territory governments, central ministries, educational institutions, and public organizations will participate in the pledge-taking ceremony online.

Substance use disorder is a critical issue affecting India's social fabric, impacting individuals, families, and society. Regular consumption of psychoactive substances leads to dependence, causing health problems, accidents, suicides, and violence.

Regular consumption of psychoactive substances leads to dependence, causing health problems, accidents, suicides, and violence (Representational image: Unsplash)

To address this, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched NMBA on August 15, 2020. Implemented in all districts since August 2023, NMBA aims to:

1. Raise awareness about substance use

2. Identify dependent populations, especially in higher educational institutions

3. Provide counseling and treatment facilities in hospitals and rehabilitation centers

4. Facilitate capacity-building programs for service providers

By taking a collective pledge against substance use, India moves closer to a drug-free society, promoting a healthier and more developed nation.

Key Highlights:

Mass pledge-taking ceremony against drug abuse on August 12, 2024
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar to administer pledge in New Delhi
Nationwide participation from educational institutions and public organizations
NMBA enters its fifth year, focusing on awareness, identification, and treatment
Substance use disorder affects individuals, families, and society, necessitating collective action

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)

India

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