What is MANAS? Government anti-drug platform records 9.9 million connection attempts, 16,000 trafficking entries | Today’s news

In July 2024, the Union Government launched the National Narcotics Helpline MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) 2024 under the auspices of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the latest government figures, the initiative has seen about 9.9 million connection attempts, 2.6 million drug-related entries and more than 16,000 human trafficking entries in about two years.

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Built as a secure technology-based platform, MANAS enables citizens to report drug-related activities, seek counseling and access rehabilitation support at any time, the government said in a statement.

The Indian government has identified substance abuse and drug trafficking as major social and public health problems, it said. Beyond individuals, these issues affect families, communities, and public safety. To strengthen citizen participation and improve access to support services, the government recognized the need for an accessible and confidential platform for reporting drug-related activities and seeking help, the government said.

MANAS combines the vision of Digital India and the mission of a Drug free India. The platform is accessible through the national helpline 1933, official portal, email and UMANG applicationthe government said. By making support available through these platforms, MANAS enables citizens to actively engage in the fight against drug abuse instead of remaining silent bystanders.

Substance abuse in India

India’s first comprehensive report on size Substance abuse in India (2019) revealed that about 16 million people consume alcohol, of which more than 5.7 million are severely impaired.

The helpline works in collaboration with Digital India Corporation (DIC). According to the latest government figures, the initiative has seen about 9.9 million connection attempts, 2.6 million drug-related entries and more than 16,000 human trafficking entries in about two years.(GDP)

As many as 3.1 million Indians use cannabis, 2.26 million use opioids and about 1.18 million use sedatives, the report said, adding that about 2.8 million people depend on opioids alone, including about 28 million people who need emergency treatment.

How does MANAS work?

MANAS is designed with citizens’ needs in mind, combining reporting, consulting and awareness within a single architecture.

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Citizens can confidentially report drug trafficking, trafficking, illegal cultivation and related activities without revealing their identity, the statement said. People affected by addiction have access to advice and support, with calls being diverted to Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Helpline 14446.

Services remain available anytime through the 1933 helpline, web portal and UMANG app, ensuring nationwide reach, the government said. Digital ticket generation and workflow management enable faster information sharing with affected agencies, improving coordination and response time.

“Inclusive features such as multilingual call support, Smart IVRS, chatbot integration and regional language assistance are being developed to further expand access,” the statement said.

Did MANAS help?

Since its launch, MANAS has expanded citizen outreach, strengthened public service delivery and improved coordination among drug enforcement agencies. The platform made it easier for citizens to report drug-related activities through secure channels. The government also said it has strengthened information sharing between citizens and law enforcement agencies and improved response mechanisms against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Citizens can confidentially report drug trafficking, trafficking, illegal cultivation and related activities without revealing their identity, the statement said. People affected by addiction can access counseling and support, with calls diverted to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s helpline 14446.(GDP)

“Awareness activities through online platforms have encouraged the wider public and youth to participate in anti-drug campaigns. The platform’s fully digitized workflows have improved coordination and service delivery. It also supports the larger vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat through technology-based citizen engagement,” it said.

-MANAS works 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in India.

– It turns public vigilance into useful, recorded intelligence, making people active partners in governance rather than passive recipients of services.

-Each message can be logged, registered, tracked and resolved using digitized workflows, bringing speed, transparency and accountability.

-Connects public directly with 30 NCB zonal units and 36 state and union territories Anti-drug task forces (ANTF).

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-The portal is designed as a unified, secure and bilingual platform.

-On the MyGov portal, it runs awareness raising events like quizzes, poster competitions and reel-making competitions to engage teenagers and youth across the country.

-Because information is captured digitally, patterns and trends can be studied in the data, helping agencies identify where problems are emerging and plan to respond.