As part of India’s growing movement towards a healthier, more aware youth population, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued renewed directives to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to actively implement the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). This initiative, launched by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) in August 2020, has now transformed into a nationwide Jan Andolan, touching over 11.22 crore lives—including more than 3.5 crore youth.
With the increasing concern around substance abuse among students, especially those living in hostels, the NMBA is now being institutionalised across colleges and universities. The emphasis is not only on awareness but also on prevention, counselling, community involvement, and long-term behavioural change.
NMBA in Campuses: More Than Just Awareness
The UGC’s communication highlights a structured and holistic approach to building drug-free campuses. This includes:
- Nukkad Nataks, Skits, Plays, and Flash Mobs: Cultural performances and creative art forms are encouraged to spread awareness in an engaging manner.
- Yoga, Meditation, and Sports: These activities are being promoted as healthy alternatives to stress and substance abuse.
- Awareness Seminars and Anti-Drug Declarations: New students are encouraged to begin their academic journey with a commitment to a substance-free lifestyle.
- Counselling Support: Individual and group counselling sessions are to be provided, particularly focused on first-year students who are most vulnerable to peer pressure and adjustment issues.
Institutional Mechanisms: Taking It a Step Further
To ensure NMBA activities are not ad-hoc but deeply rooted in the academic ecosystem, the UGC mandates several key institutional mechanisms:
- Formation of Anti-Drug Committees: These committees will oversee the planning and execution of awareness activities.
- Nasha Mukt Hostel Committees: These bodies will be responsible for consistent engagement with hostel residents, ensuring early detection, peer support, and timely intervention.
- Designation of Anti-Drug Officers: Each HEI is to appoint a senior officer (e.g., Registrar) to oversee NMBA implementation and act as the nodal point for coordination.
Enhanced Vigilance and Monitoring
The NMBA also proposes practical measures to enhance safety and monitoring:
- Installation of CCTVs at Campus Entrances: To curb the entry of drug peddlers and strengthen campus security.
- Professionally Managed Dining Halls: Malnutrition or meal-skipping can be an indicator of deeper issues, including substance use.
- Monitoring of Border and High-Risk Areas: Institutions near international borders or known hotspots are encouraged to increase vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement.
Engaging Stakeholders and Submitting Reports
Institutions are also urged to collaborate with influential alumni, engage neighbouring communities, and leverage helplines like:
- 14446 – National De-addiction Helpline
- 14416 – Tele-Mental Health Services
- 1933 – Anonymous drug trafficking reporting (MANAS)
HEIs must submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) quarterly, detailing awareness activities, counselling sessions, outreach efforts, and challenges faced.
Towards a Drug-Free Campus Culture
The NMBA’s expansion into HEIs is not just about short-term interventions—it’s about reshaping student culture and ensuring safe learning spaces. Through structured support systems, proactive committees, and sustained engagement, India’s educational institutions are becoming critical allies in the national fight against substance abuse.
The success of NMBA lies in the collective commitment of educators, students, parents, and administrators. With the momentum building, campuses across India are becoming not just centres of academic excellence—but also safe, nurturing spaces for young minds to thrive drug-free.