What is MANAS? Govt's anti-drug platform logs 9.9 lakh connection attempts, 16,000 trafficking inputs

Published 2 July 2026 · india

In July 2024, the Union government launched the Narcotics Helpline MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) 2024 under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau

In July 2024, the Union government launched the Narcotics Helpline MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) 2024 under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs. In about two years, the initiative has seen about 9.9 lakh connection attempts, 2.6 lakh drug-related inputs and over 16000 trafficking inputs, according to latest government figures. Built as a secure, technology-driven platform, MANAS enables citizens to report drug-related activities, seek counselling, and access rehabilitation support at any time, the government said in a statement. The Government of India has identified substance abuse and drug trafficking as major social and public health concerns, it said. Beyond individuals, these issues affect families, communities, and public safety. To strengthen citizen participation and improve access to support services, the government recognised the need for an accessible and confidential platform for reporting drug-related activities and seeking assistance, the government said. MANAS brings together the vision of Digital India and the mission of a Nasha Mukt Bharat. The platform is accessible through the national helpline number 1933, the official portal, email and the UMANG app, the government said. By making support available through these platforms, MANAS empowers citizens to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse instead of remaining silent bystanders, it said.

Substance abuse in India India's first comprehensive report on Magnitude of Substance Abuse of India (2019) revealed that around 16 crore people consume alcohol, out of these over 5.7 crore are severely affected. View full Image View full Image The helpline works in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation (DIC). In about two years, the initiative has seen about 9.9 lakh connection attempts, 2.6 lakh drug-related inputs and over 16000 trafficking inputs, according to latest government figures. (PIB) As many as 3.1 crore Indians use cannabis, 2.26 crore use opioids, and about 1.18 crore use sedatives, the report said, adding that roughly 2.8 crore people depend on opioids alone, including about 28 lakh needing urgent treatment. How does MANAS work? MANAS is designed around citizen needs, combining reporting, counselling, and awareness within a single architecture. Citizens can confidentially report drug trafficking, peddling, illegal cultivation, and related activities without revealing their identity, the statement said. People affected by addiction can access counselling and support, with calls transferred to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment helpline 14446. Services remain accessible anytime through the 1933 helpline, the web portal, and the UMANG application, ensuring nationwide reach, the government said.