A youth outreach in the battle against drug abuse

India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, and if a nation aspires to progress and become developed, its youth must be empowered. Prime Minister (PM) Modi has consistently emphasised that if India is to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, our yuva shakti must be empowered and actively engaged in the process of nation-building.

- Mansukh Mandaviya

However, one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation today is keeping our youth away from the grip of substance abuse. An increasing number of young individuals are falling into addiction. According to a study, one in every five Indians aged between 10 and 24 has used drugs at some point. A report by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) further reveals that over 8.5 lakh children in India are struggling with drug addiction. These figures are deeply alarming and call for urgent, collective action.

The government has taken several decisive steps to combat this issue. In 2020, the ministry of social justice and empowerment launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. To support prevention and rehabilitation, the government established Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) and Outreach-cum-Drop-In Centres (ODICs).