Home Minister Amit Shah Launches National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’ – 1933. Through the ‘MANAS’ (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra) helpline, citizens can share information on drug trafficking, and connect with the Narcotics Control Bureau anonymously 24 hours a day to get advice on de-addiction and rehabilitation. 

The Home Minister chaired the 7th Apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD) in New Delhi last evening. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the fight against drugs is very important and should be fought with seriousness and priority. Mr. Shah stated that this battle against the drug menace presents both a challenge and an opportunity, and can be won through unity and determination. 

Mr Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal for India to be the world leader in every field by 2047, which can only be achieved by keeping the younger generation away from the scourge of drugs. He said, that in the last five years, the Modi government has fought this battle based on three pillars- the Whole-of-Government Approach, Structural, Institutional, and Informational Reforms. He added that the entire drug business is now linked with



narco-terror, and the money generated from the drug trade has become the most serious threat to the country’s security. 

Mr Shah said that the goal of all agencies should not only be to nab drug users but also to bust the entire network. He added that there should be a ruthless approach towards the drug supply chain, a strategic approach towards demand reduction, and a human approach to harm reduction.

The Home Minister said that the government will soon provide very cheap kits for the preliminary testing of narcotics, which will make it much easier to register cases. He added that Forensic Science University is working on a swadeshi, a cheap forensic narcotics testing kit that will help agencies file cases of drugs.

On the occasion, the Home Minister also virtually inaugurated the Zonal Office of the Narcotics Control Bureau -NCB in Srinagar. He also released the NCB’s ‘Annual Report 2023’ and the Compendium on ‘Drug-Free India.’

The meeting aimed to coordinate and synergize the efforts of various central and state government agencies involved in countering drug trafficking and abuse in India.