MANAS: India's National Digital Helpline Against Drug Abuse
#GS-2 #Governance & Social Justice #Health #Current Events #National
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.