New Delhi, March 29 Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar called on Sunday for intensified preventive efforts, increased de-addiction services, and expanded implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, according to a statement.
Kumar chaired the fifth meeting of the National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation (NCCDR) held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre here.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State B L Verma, Social Justice Secretary Sudhansh Pant, senior officials, representatives from states and Union Territories, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Deputy Director General Pratima Gupta outlined key agenda points, including progress under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), and the proposed strategic action plan for 2026-29.
Addressing the gathering, Virendra Kumar urged all members to actively and regularly share their views, suggestions, and feedback on this critical national issue of drug demand reduction.
Discussions focused on intensifying preventive measures, particularly among children and youth, and engaging students in higher education institutions for awareness programmes.
The committee also emphasised expanding de-addiction and rehabilitation services across the country, including setting up dedicated centres for women and children, and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures.
Other key issues included mapping existing facilities across ministries for better integration, establishing a robust monitoring mechanism for drug demand reduction initiatives, and scaling up the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Members also discussed the need for greater coordination between the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the Narcotics Coordination Mechanism (NCORD) through aligned meetings at the state and district levels.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to strengthen efforts against the drug menace through a coordinated approach involving the Centre, states, educational institutions, and civil society.