The government has taken a major step forward in its fight against substance abuse with the launch of NMBA App 2.0, an upgraded digital platform under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The move reinforces the Centre’s commitment to building a drug‑free society through stronger monitoring, transparency, and public participation.
Launched on August 15, 2020, by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan initially covered 272 of the most vulnerable districts in the country. Recognising its impact, the programme was expanded to all districts nationwide with effect from August 15, 2023, bringing every state and Union Territory under its ambit. The mission focuses on spreading awareness about substance abuse and promoting prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
So far, the outreach has been massive. More than 26 crore people have been sensitised through over 8.3 lakh awareness activities conducted across the country. This includes over 9.5 crore youth, 6.47 crore women, and more than 28,000 master volunteers, reflecting the programme’s deep penetration into communities, educational institutions, and social organisations.
To further strengthen implementation of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the Ministry is now rolling out NMBA App 2.0. The upgraded application is designed as a centralised digital platform for real-time reporting, monitoring, and coordination at the national, state, district, and institutional levels. It aims to make the programme more transparent, accountable, and data-driven.
The existing NMBA App already allows authorised users—such as states, districts, spiritual organisations and implementing agencies—to upload activity details on a consolidated dashboard with near real-time visibility. It also serves as a resource hub, offering Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material, communication tools for Nasha Mukti Mitras, and an easy system to onboard and manage master volunteers. Institutions can also use the platform to organise and record pledge-taking activities as part of awareness drives. In addition, the app provides access to key support helplines, including the de‑addiction helpline and MANAS mental health helpline, along with technical support contacts.
App 2.0 significantly expands these features and opens the platform to the general public. Citizens can now take an online pledge, access IEC material, find helpline numbers, locate nearby de‑addiction centres, and share feedback directly through the app. This public-facing access is expected to improve early intervention and ensure easier access to treatment services.
A major enhancement in the new version is the onboarding of Grant‑in‑Aid Institutions (GIAs) with role‑based access, allowing real-time reporting and monitoring of activities at de‑addiction and rehabilitation centres. The app will also display Anudan (grant) status for all GIAs, accessible to the Ministry, States/UTs, and the organisations themselves—ensuring greater transparency, streamlined fund tracking, and accountability in utilisation of public funds.
Officials say NMBA App 2.0 represents a decisive shift toward technology‑enabled governance in social sector programmes. By integrating data, monitoring implementation on the ground, and empowering citizens, the government hopes to accelerate progress toward its goal of a drug‑free India.
With expanding reach, digital tools, and community participation at its core, the revamped Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is expected to further strengthen India’s response to substance abuse and addiction.
