In Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi calls for drug-free India, stronger future for youths

On August 30, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to collaborate in eradicating drug abuse from India and fostering a brighter future for the younger generation. The "Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India" campaign featured prominently in his monthly radio address, "Mann Ki Baat." This initiative aims to achieve a drug-free India by focusing on drug-free youth.

He emphasized the collective effort required to attain this goal, urging everyone to contribute towards a stronger nation and a healthier future for their youth.

The government's flagship program, "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan" (NMBA), was launched on August 15, 2020, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). This campaign focuses on preventive measures such as awareness creation, community engagement, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare, and social reintegration. The objective is to build a nationwide movement against drug abuse.

In a surprising revelation, Modi highlighted the PM SVANidhi Yojana, a welfare scheme initially designed for street vendors to overcome financial hardships during the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that nearly 46% of the scheme's beneficiaries are women, a figure that, he suggested, does not receive the attention it deserves. PM SVANidhi has not only provided financial assistance but has also empowered women, giving them a sense of identity and formal recognition for their role in the economy.

The scheme, initially set to run until December 31, 2024, has been extended to March 31, 2030, indicating its significant impact and ongoing importance.