Page 59 - NIS English 1-15 Oct, 2026

Drug-Free India | NATION

Resolve for a ‘Drug-Free In-

dia’ to be Realized by 2029

Drug-related crime is a menace capable of destroying future generations. Moreover, the proceeds
generated from it are used to fund terrorism; narco-terror modules are active in many countries across
the globe. The entire world is currently grappling with this issue. This is why the Central Government
initiated concrete measures in 2019 to crack down on the problem. Speaking in Panaji, the capital of
Goa, on September 6, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that under the leadership
of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will realize the resolve for a ‘Drug-Free India’ by 2029...

roadmap spanning the years 2026 Roadmap based on four pillars: The roadmap for a drug-free India rests
to 2029 has been prepared for on four pillars—intelligence and operation-based enforcement, precursor
A the robust nationwide campaign and synthetic drugs control, demand and harm reduction, and capacity
building and coordination.
against drug abuse. Under this roadmap,
the goal is to make every village and city Three-year roadmap: A three-year roadmap, covering the period from
in India free from narcotics by bringing July 2026 to July 2029, has been prepared to create a ‘Drug-Free India’.
together all relevant departments and Drug seizures: Between 2004 and 2014, 26 lakh kilograms of drugs
state governments. Speaking at a press worth ₹40,000 crore were seized, whereas between 2014 and 2026, over
conference on narcotics control in Panaji, 1.19 crore kilograms of drugs valued at ₹1.89 lakh crore were confiscated.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Pledge Administered: Under the ‘Drug-Free India’ (Nasha-mukt Bharat)
Amit Shah said that prior to 2014, this campaign, 25 crore citizens were reached and administered a pledge. 5.70
battle was fought in a piecemeal manner, lakh citizens were freed from addiction.
and satisfaction was derived from making Rising De-addiction Centers: Through the collaborative efforts of the
small seizures and catching small accused Social Justice Department, Health Department, and Prison Administration,
persons. However, since 2019, this issue the number of de-addiction centers is being tripled to 1,751.
has been elevated to a national security
priority. Campaign: A campaign is being conducted against fugitives; those
The fight against drugs has moved involved in economic offenses, terrorism, narcotics, and gang wars have
beyond mere paperwork and isolated been brought before Indian courts.
actions by various agencies to become a Resolve: The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
coordinated and sustained national-level Sports, and educational institutions are pledging to make educational
campaign. Just as Naxalism was eradicated campuses drug-free.
from the country, the Central Government ‘Nasha-mukt Mitra’: Lakhs of ‘Nasha-mukt Mitras’ will be mobilized
is now moving towards eliminating the drug through the NCC, NSS, and ‘My Bharat’ platforms.
menace. Union Home Minister Amit Shah New Concept: A new investigative concept has been adopted,
noted that whenever even a small packet incorporating the Central Government’s ‘bottom-to-top’ and ‘top-
of drugs is seized now, the authorities trace to-bottom’ approaches. Special emphasis is being placed on financial
its point of origin within the country. investigations and PIT-NDPS measures. n

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