Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to inaugurate India’s inaugural toll-free national helpline dedicated to addressing narcotics-related issues, named MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra) or the Narcotics Prohibition Intelligence Centre. The launch is slated for July 18 during the seventh meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD). MANAS will operate through the phone number 1933 and the email address info.ncbmanas@gov.in, providing a secure channel for reporting drug-related activities.
Objectives and Functioning of MANAS
MANAS functions as a comprehensive platform aimed at combating drug trafficking and associated crimes. It allows individuals to report illegal activities via its dedicated website (ncbmanas.gov.in) and other designated channels. The primary focus lies on crimes including illegal drug dealing, selling, buying, storing, manufacturing, and cultivation of substances leading to intoxication. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in accordance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, will validate the received information and initiate appropriate actions based on these reports.
Integration and Impact
Initiated under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative forms part of a broader central government strategy advocating a “zero tolerance” approach towards drug abuse. India aims to achieve a drug-free status by 2047, leveraging enhanced institutional frameworks, improved inter-agency cooperation, and extensive public awareness campaigns. The launch of the MANAS helpline signifies a significant enhancement in communication and operational efficiency compared to previous, less accessible contact methods. This service is poised to play a pivotal role in the nationwide fight against drugs.
Simultaneous with the MANAS helpline launch, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is inaugurating its new zonal office in Srinagar and releasing its annual report for 2023. These initiatives constitute integral components of ongoing efforts to bolster anti-drug operations across India. Established in 2016 and restructured in 2019, the NCORD system serves as the cornerstone of this strategy, facilitating coordination at national, state, and district levels. This endeavor is further reinforced by the establishment of special task forces, drug disposal campaigns, and targeted programs designed to combat India’s drug crisis.
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