**Executive Summary**
On February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, organized a grand event in Goa under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA). The event commemorated the fifth anniversary of the launch of the NMBA. The Union Minister urged collective resolve against drug abuse and administered a pledge against it.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Purpose and Theme:**
* The event aimed to unite policymakers, youth, civil society, and others to build a drug-free India.
* The programme was organised on the theme 'Nasha Mukt Bharat, Khushhaal Bharat'.
* **Ministerial Addresses and Pledges:**
* Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, emphasized that the NMBA is a nationwide people's movement.
* He highlighted coordinated efforts among governments, institutions, and communities.
* The Minister administered a pledge against drug abuse and urged vigilance.
* **Goa Government's Commitment:**
* Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting NMBA's objectives.
* Goa aims to become Nasha Mukt Goa by 2037.
* **Other Key Activities:**
* The event featured cultural programmes, including a Dekhni dance and a street play.
* A Youth Rally was organized to spread awareness and mobilize public support for the NMBA.
**Impact Analysis**
**Youth and Families**
* **Impact:** The youth and families are the target beneficiaries of the campaign, aiming to protect them from drug abuse and strengthen communities.
* **Action Required:** Youth are encouraged to become ambassadors of change, and parents of addicted children should approach de-addiction centers.
**Central and State Governments**
* **Impact:** Requires coordinated efforts to implement and support the NMBA.
* **Action Required:** Central and state governments, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations need to work together.
**Citizens of Goa**
* **Impact:** Aimed at ensuring that Goa collectively protects future generations from the menace of drugs.
* **Action Required:** The Union Minister urged citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing substance misuse.
Key Entities Referenced
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA): A nationwide initiative aimed at creating a drug-free India by safeguarding the youth and strengthening families and communities.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for organizing the event and spearheading the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Goa: The location of the grand event discussed in the article.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Union Minister calls for collective resolve against
drug abuse at Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan grand
event in Goa
Posted On: 27 FEB 2026 4:38PM by PIB Mumbai
Goa, 27 February 2026
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organised a grand event
under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social
Welfare, Government of Goa, at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Bambolim, today,
February 27.
The programme, organized on the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat, Khushhaal Bharat’ in
commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the launch of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, brought
together policymakers, youth, civil society representatives, students and other stakeholders in a
unified resolve to build a drug-free India.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and
Empowerment, said that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is not merely a campaign but a
nationwide people’s movement aimed at safeguarding the youth and strengthening families and
communities. Highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts among Central and State
Governments, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and community organizations,
the Union Minister called upon the youth to become ambassadors of change. “Crores of people
have benefitted from the consistent campaign run by the Department of Social Justice and
Empowerment across the country. The participation of youth, volunteers, NGOs, government
departments and religious organizations in the campaigns has been amazing. I congratulate the
Goa govt and the social welfare department for organizing this mega event by bringing together
scores of people from all walks of life,” he said.Dr. Virendra Kumar also administered a pledge against drug abuse at the event, urging citizens
to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing substance misuse.
In his address, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, reaffirmed the State Government’s
commitment to supporting the objectives of NMBA. Talking about the importance of sustained
awareness drives, community participation and robust rehabilitation mechanisms, he said that
Goa must collectively ensure that its future generations are protected from the menace of
drugs. “The attitude of ‘let me just try it once’ often leads to drug addiction. I want the youth of
Goa to stay away from that attitude. Parents of addicted kids should not hesitate to approach
de-addiction centers. The government is actively involved in awareness activities in the State.
The anti-narcotic cell of the Goa police is constantly monitoring drug trade in State and we have
destroyed seized drugs worth crores of rupees in last seven-eight years,” he said.
“As the country is moving ahead aiming Viksit Bharat 2047, the Nasha Mukt Bharat 2047 is an
important part of the mission as that is directly connected with the youth of this country. The
state of Goa will be very much part of the mission by becoming Nasha Mukt Goa by 2037,” the
Chief Minister said.Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare, Government of Goa, also spoke at the
event. Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment,
Government of India; Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill, Secretary for Social Welfare, Government of Goa;
and Ms Prathima Gupta, Deputy Director General, Department of Social Justice and
Empowerment, Government of India, were also present at the program.
The event also featured cultural programmes on the NMBA theme, including a Dekhni dance and
a street play, conveying the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of collective
action. Eminent personalities, recovered drug users, master volunteers and competition winners
were felicitated at the event in recognition of their contribution to the campaign.
Earlier in the day, a Youth Rally was organized as part of the programme to spread awareness
and mobilize public support for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, reinforcing the message of a
united stand against drug abuse.
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