Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed the new National Anti-Narcotics Helpline ‘Manas’ in his recent “Mann Ki Baat” radio broadcast, urging citizens and organizations to leverage this initiative in the fight against drug abuse across India.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted the increasing concern over drug addiction and its impact on families. “In Mann Ki Baat, I have frequently discussed the challenges posed by drugs. Every family fears the possibility of their loved ones falling prey to addiction,” Modi stated, reflecting on the widespread anxiety that has driven the government to launch the ‘Manas’ helpline.
The newly introduced helpline, which includes a toll-free number—1933—aims to provide vital support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction. “This is a very big step in the fight against drugs,” Modi emphasized, underscoring the initiative’s importance in delivering essential advice and facilitating access to rehabilitation services. He urged those in need of support or information on overcoming addiction to utilize the helpline.
Modi reassured the public that communications through ‘Manas’ would be kept confidential, aiming to build trust and encourage more people to seek help. He also invited individuals to share any information regarding drug trafficking through the helpline, reinforcing the role of community involvement in tackling the issue. “All the information shared with Manas will be confidential. I urge all people, families, and organizations involved in the mission to make India drug-free to use Manas extensively,” he added.
The MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra) portal was officially launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 18. It features not only the toll-free number but also a web portal, mobile app, and integration with the UMANG app, enabling anonymous, round-the-clock communication with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). This comprehensive approach aims to offer advice on de-addiction and assist in reporting drug trafficking activities.
Furthermore, to address the problem of illicit drug cultivation, the NCB has teamed up with BISAG-N to develop the “MAPDRUGS” portal and mobile app. This tool provides Geographic Information System (GIS) data to identify and eliminate illegal cultivation areas, thereby supporting efforts to combat drug production at its source.
The launch of ‘Manas’ and the accompanying tools signifies a significant step forward in the Indian government’s ongoing battle against drug abuse, aiming to provide better support for individuals seeking help and to enhance community participation in ensuring a drug-free nation.
