Around 16 crore people consume alcohol. Over 3 crore use cannabis. Approximately 1.86 crore use opioids. Nearly 10 crore Indians are affected by narcotic substances in some form. Drug abuse in India is not a marginal issue—it is a deeply embedded social reality.
Zahid Yousuf Mantoo
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), launched in 2020, represents one of the most ambitious attempts by the Government of India to tackle drug abuse. Designed under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, the campaign focuses on awareness, community mobilisation, and rehabilitation. Initially targeting 272 vulnerable districts, it has now expanded across the country. Government reports claim that crores of citizens have been reached, particularly youth and students. However, while these outreach figures appear impressive, they largely reflect awareness efforts rather than measurable reductions in addiction levels. “Awareness may reach crores, but addiction still grips millions.”
The scale of drug abuse in India is far more serious than what surface-level campaigns suggest. National data indicates that around 16 crore people consume alcohol, making it the most widely used substance in the country. Cannabis is used by over 3 crore individuals, while approximately 1.86 crore people consume opioids such as heroin and pharmaceutical drugs. Overall, nearly 10 crore Indians are affected by narcotic substances in some form. Among youth, the situation is particularly alarming, with a significant proportion of individuals aged 10 to 24 engaging in substance use. “Drug abuse in India is not a marginal issue—it is a deeply embedded social reality.”
India’s legal framework to combat drug abuse is centred on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, one of the strictest drug control laws globally. It criminalises the production, possession, and trafficking of drugs, with severe penalties. In recent years, enforcement agencies have intensified their actions, resulting in over one lakh arrests and significant drug seizures. Despite this, conviction rates remain relatively low, raising questions about the effectiveness of the judicial process and the ability to dismantle large-scale trafficking networks. “Strict laws exist on paper, but weak convictions dilute their impact.”
A major contradiction in India’s anti-drug policy lies in its approach to legal and illegal substances. While the government aggressively campaigns against narcotics, alcohol—arguably the most widely consumed and harmful substance—remains legal and heavily regulated. State governments derive substantial revenue from liquor sales, leading to the presence of hundreds of thousands of licensed outlets across the country. This creates a paradoxical situation where the state discourages substance abuse while simultaneously profiting from it. “India fights drugs with one hand while funding addiction with the other.”
Assessing the seriousness of the central government requires a balanced perspective. On one hand, initiatives like NMBA, increased drug seizures, and the use of digital monitoring systems demonstrate intent and effort. On the other hand, the approach remains heavily focused on awareness and enforcement, with insufficient emphasis on rehabilitation, mental health, and socio-economic reforms. Addiction continues to be treated more as a criminal issue than a public health concern. “Campaigns create visibility, but policies create real change.”
Jammu and Kashmir presents a particularly complex and concerning case. In recent years, the region has witnessed a sharp rise in drug abuse, especially among youth. The growing use of heroin, commonly referred to as “chitta,” has emerged as a major crisis affecting students and unemployed individuals. Factors such as cross-border trafficking, economic challenges, and psychological stress linked to prolonged instability have contributed to the problem. Authorities have responded with targeted campaigns and intensified policing measures. “In Jammu & Kashmir, drug abuse is not just a social issue—it is a silent crisis among the youth.”
The absence of a strong, dedicated anti-drug bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly can be linked to its current political and administrative structure. Following the abrogation of Article 370, the region became a Union Territory with reduced legislative powers. Many decisions, particularly those related to law and order, fall under the jurisdiction of the central administration. Consequently, instead of introducing new legislation, authorities rely on the existing NDPS Act and administrative measures. This limits the scope for region-specific legal reforms.
At the same time, a noticeable contradiction exists within Jammu and Kashmir’s policy framework. While strict action is taken against illegal drugs, there has been a gradual expansion and regulation of alcohol sales in the region. This dual approach mirrors the national pattern—controlling illegal substances while permitting legal ones. However, in a socially sensitive region, such policies often invite criticism and raise questions about consistency. “When revenue depends on addiction, policy becomes a contradiction.”
Understanding the persistence of drug abuse requires looking beyond laws and campaigns to its root causes. Unemployment remains a significant factor, particularly among youth who face limited opportunities. Psychological stress, including anxiety and trauma, further increases vulnerability to substance use. Easy availability through trafficking networks and peer influence also contributes to the spread of addiction. “The real battle is not just against drugs, but against the conditions that create addiction.”
Another major gap in India’s approach is the lack of adequate rehabilitation infrastructure. De-addiction centres and mental health services remain insufficient relative to the scale of the problem. Social stigma further discourages individuals from seeking help, trapping them in cycles of addiction. A more effective strategy would require treating addiction as a health issue, integrating counselling, community support, and long-term rehabilitation into policy frameworks. “Criminalising users without healing them only deepens the crisis.”
When evaluating the overall effectiveness of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, a clear gap emerges between narrative and reality. The narrative promotes a vision of a drug-free India supported by campaigns and strict laws. The reality, however, reflects widespread substance use, structural contradictions, and uneven implementation across regions. While progress is visible in awareness and enforcement, deeper systemic challenges remain unresolved. “The vision is powerful, but execution remains fragmented.”
India’s fight against drug abuse reflects genuine intent but inconsistent execution. Campaigns like NMBA are important, but they cannot succeed in isolation. Structural reforms are necessary, including reducing dependence on alcohol revenue, strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems, expanding rehabilitation services, and addressing socio-economic issues such as unemployment and mental health. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, a more nuanced and locally tailored approach is essential.
Until India resolves the conflict between public health and economic interests, the dream of a truly ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ will remain more promise than reality.
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