PM Modi urges citizens to unite against drug abuse and back India’s youth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a nationwide effort to make India free from drug abuse, saying the country’s young population needs a healthier environment to build its future.
In his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi highlighted the growing momentum behind the government’s Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India campaign.
He said the objective was straightforward: reducing drug abuse among young people and creating a stronger foundation for India’s development.
The government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched on August 15, 2020, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. The initiative focuses on awareness campaigns, community involvement, treatment, rehabilitation and helping recovered individuals return to mainstream society.
Modi also spoke about the PM SVANidhi scheme and its impact on women working as street vendors.
According to the prime minister, women account for nearly 46% of the scheme’s beneficiaries, translating to approximately 35 lakh women who have used the programme to strengthen their businesses and increase household incomes.
Introduced in 2020 to provide support to street vendors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, PM SVANidhi has expanded beyond its original financial assistance role. The programme has also helped vendors gain formal recognition and greater access to financial services. The scheme, initially scheduled to run until December 2024, has since been extended through March 31, 2030.