Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan 2026: Strengthening Youth Resilience through Evidence-Based Prevention

A pivotal element of this year's campaign is the integration of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local community leaders. Recognizing that substance abuse is often rooted in socio-economic distress, the role of SHGs is being strengthened to provide a grassroots support system for both prevention and the socio-economic reintegration of recovering individuals. This community-centric approach ensures that rehabilitation is not just medical but also social, reducing the stigma associated with addiction. Furthermore, the MoSJE is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to enhance the capacity of 'Addiction Treatment Facilities' (ATFs) and 'Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts' (IRCAs). These efforts are designed to mitigate the multi-dimensional impact of drugs, which includes increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and the breakdown of family structures, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized populations. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper II under welfare schemes for vulnerable sections and social sector management. It can be used to illustrate the role of community-based organizations (SHGs/NGOs) in policy implementation and the importance of evidence-based governance in addressing social evils. It also touches upon GS Paper I dimensions of social empowerment and population-associated issues.