UGC Cracks Down on Drug Abuse in Colleges with Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Push

New Delhi: Alarmed by rising drug addiction cases on Higher Education campuses, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken proactive measures by urging universities and colleges to embrace the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” (NMBA) program. This nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSlE) tackles drug abuse holistically, encompassing prevention, awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation.

In a letter to vice-chancellors and college principals, UGC emphasizes the vulnerability of students and youth to substance use, positioning them as key players in the Abhiyaan. The commission encourages HEIs to actively sensitize campuses and their surroundings through faculty, NSS volunteers, and student clubs.

UGC recommends regular interventions and activities focused on substance use prevention, promoting responsible behaviour and healthy alternatives. Additionally, the commission suggests forming joint clubs dedicated to addressing challenges like ragging, substance abuse awareness, and safety measures.