In News:

The Government of India launched the National Narcotics Helpline MANAS (Madak-PadarthNishedAsoochna Kendra) to strengthen citizen participation in the fight against the drug menace. The initiative, spearheaded by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), functions as a secure, bilingual, and citizen-centric platform to enable anonymous reporting of drug trafficking, illicit cultivation, and related crimes, while also providing counselling and rehabilitation support.

Key Features of MANAS

• Helpline Number: 1933 (Toll-Free)
• Digital Access: Web portal (www.ncbmanas.gov.in), Email (info.ncbmanas@gov.in), and UMANG Mobile App
• Integration: Direct transfer to the MoSJE De-addiction Helpline (14446) for rehabilitation guidance
• Awareness Outreach: Posters, videos, contests, and citizen engagement through MyGov platform under the Drug-Free Bharat campaign

India’s Legal & Policy Framework Against Drug Abuse

• Constitutional Backing: Article 47 directs the State to prohibit intoxicating substances except for medicinal purposes.
• Legislation:
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
  • Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988
  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• International Conventions: India is party to the
  • Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (amended 1972)
  • Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971
  • UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988
• Other Initiatives: NIDAAN Portal (for drug law offenders), NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan (community-based de-addiction programme).

Significance for Governance & Society

The MANAS helpline marks a shift from enforcement-centric approaches to a citizen-participatory, tech-enabled model. It bridges law enforcement, rehabilitation, and public awareness, reflecting India’s commitment to a balanced supply and demand reduction strategy against narcotics.