Lok Bhavan reviews roadmap to strengthen Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in Assam
Guwahati,Rongili Barta: In continuation of the efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) in Assam, a high-level meeting was held today at the Conference Hall of Lok Bhavan under the direction of the Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya.
The meeting, chaired by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, Shri S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, deliberated on the need for a coordinated, sustained and multi-stakeholder approach to achieve the objective of a drug-free Assam. During the meeting, a detailed presentation was made highlighting the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing awareness and ensuring effective inter-departmental collaboration under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Presentations on the activities undertaken by various departments and agencies under the campaign were made by Additional Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), P.R. Mishra, SSP, Narcotics Control, Dr. A.Q. Arif, Director, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Suswapna Kakoty; and OSD, Directorate of Higher Education, Smt. Chimi Deka.
The meeting discussed a number of actionable suggestions made by the Governor and emphasised the need for close coordination among all concerned departments, institutions and agencies to ensure a sustained and effective campaign against drug abuse across the State.
It was observed that the fight against substance abuse requires a collective effort involving the Government, educational institutions, youth organisations, communities and citizens, with special emphasis on protecting and empowering the youth. The meeting also decided to hold further brainstorming sessions to develop a comprehensive strategy and strengthen the implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in Assam.
It was noticed that there is scope for increasing the number of Nasha Mukti Mitrs in Assam. Accordingly it was felt that an action plan be prepared for targeted increase in the number of Nasha Mukti Mitr before the end of financial year 2026-2027 to address the demand side battle of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
In this regard to sensitize various sections of the society, to create brand ambassador and outreach volunteers among various target groups, to sustain the campaign of citizen owned and civic society led war against consumption of drugs and prohibited substance an army of Nasha Mukt Mitrs have to be created from out of the citizenry. With that objective, it was decided that for the current financial year certain minimum targets may be adopted across various target groups and agencies. Such Nasha Mukt Mitrs will act as the civic society’s spearheads and institution’s sentinels. Hence it was decided that the Higher Education Department target minimum 10% of total enrollment as Nasha Mukt Mitrs; Secondary Education Department to target minimum 5% of total enrollment of each institutions; Department of Sports and Youth Welfare target minimum 100% of the sports persons and coaches; MY Bharat target minimum 25% of registered volunteers as Nasha Mukt Mitrs. Further Home and Political Department should target 100 % coverage of Assam Police Battalion, Home guards and VDPs; Health & Family Welfare Department should target all Asha Karmis; Women & Child Development Department should target all Anganwadi Workers, CDPOs and support staff; Revenue & Disaster Management Department should target all Gaon Pradhans as Nasha Mukt Mitrs. Further ASRLM should target at least 2 persons per Self Help Group.
Similarly, all NSS volunteers and NCC cadets should be targeted for 100% enrolment as Nasha Mukt Mitrs. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is the Nodal Department for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. It was requested that Education Department to create posters highlighting 1933 (MANAS helpline), mail id of Narcotics Control Bureau and Assam Police and app on “Drugs Free Assam” of Assam Police. The unique feature of the app is that the identity of the informer is protected. 1933 (MANAS helpline) is the 24×7 multilingual helpline, where response is also available in Assamese. The publicity and posters are to be taken up by Higher Education Department in all HEIs and Sports & Youth Welfare Department in all the sporting events.
Joint Secretary to the Governor, Shri Arindam Barua; Director, AYUSH Dr. Indranoshee Das, Director, Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam, Shri Ankur Bharali; and representatives from NCC, NSS, MY Bharat and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations also participated in the deliberations on expanding the outreach and effectiveness of the campaign across the State.