MANAS: India's National Digital Helpline Against Drug Abuse
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Why in News
- The Indian government is strengthening technology-based citizen participation through platforms like MANAS to build a drug-free India.
About MANAS Platform
- Launched on 18th July 2024, MANAS stands for Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra and operates as the national narcotics helpline under the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Access and Partners
- The government developed this platform with the Digital India Corporation, making it accessible via toll-free number 1933, an official portal, email, and the UMANG app.
Core Objective
- The platform allows citizens to confidentially report illegal drug trafficking, selling, and cultivation without revealing their identity.
Counselling and Rehabilitation
- Addiction-affected individuals can receive counselling and de-addiction support, with relevant calls routed to helpline 14446 of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Digital Workflow
- The platform generates digital tickets, manages workflows, tracks reports, and uses data analytics to identify drug hotspots and speed up agency response times.
Agency Linkage
- MANAS connects citizens directly with 30 NCB Zonal Units and 36 State/UT Anti-Narcotics Task Forces for coordinated action.
Significance of MANAS
- This platform improves confidential reporting, expands counselling access, strengthens digital governance, and fosters citizen-led action against illegal drugs.