India, July 2 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Did You Know?
How can I help a drug addict?
India's first comprehensive report on Magnitude of Substance Abuse of India (2019) revealed the true scale of the drug abuse problem.
The drug addict is the victim in the vicious circle of drug supply and demand. He or she should be seen with respect and encouraged to seek professional and medical help in the nearest government de-addiction center. He or she should be encouraged for counseling and therapy.
MANAS: An Architecture that Puts Power in Citizens' Hands
The Government of India has identified substance abuse and drug trafficking as major social and public health concerns. Beyond individuals, these issues affect families, communities, and public safety. To strengthen citizen participation and improve access to support services, the Government recognised the need for an accessible and confidential platform for reporting drug-related activities and seeking assistance.
To bridge this need, National Narcotics Helpline MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) was launched on 18 July 2024 under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation (DIC). Built as a secure, technology-driven platform, MANAS enables citizens to report drug-related activities, seek counselling, and access rehabilitation support at any time.
MANAS brings together the vision of Digital India and the mission of a Nasha Mukt Bharat. The platform is accessible through the national helpline number 1933, the official portal, email and the UMANG app. By making support available through these platforms, MANAS empowers citizens to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse instead of remaining silent bystanders.
What MANAS Offers
MANAS is designed around citizen needs, combining reporting, counselling, and awareness within a single architecture.
Impact: Steadily Growing Public Trust
Since its launch, MANAS has expanded citizen outreach, strengthened public service delivery, and improved coordination among drug law-enforcement agencies. The platform has enabled citizens to report drug-related activities more easily through secure channels. It has also strengthened information-sharing between citizens and enforcement agencies, improving response mechanisms against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
It has also improved access to counselling, rehabilitation, and awareness services across the country. Increasing use of professional counselling support reflects greater willingness among citizens to seek help for substance abuse concerns. Awareness activities through online platforms have encouraged wider public and youth participation in anti-drug campaigns. The platform's fully digitized workflows have improved coordination and service delivery. It is also supporting the larger vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat through technology-driven citizen engagement.
How MANAS Strengthens the Digital India Promise
MANAS is a working example of how technology can be leveraged to protect citizens and deliver public services. It advances the vision of the mission in clear, practical ways:
Towards a Nasha Mukt Bharat
MANAS shows how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can be put to work for citizen protection and social good. By weaving together technology, citizen participation, counselling, analytics and secure reporting, the platform is helping build a safer, healthier and drug-free India, one report and one call at a time. As its reach grows and its tools mature, MANAS stands as a clear example of governance that is both digital and deeply human.
References
Ministry of Home Affairs
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Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
