• The Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra (MANAS) Helpline, launched on 18 July 2024 by the Government of India, has shown notable success, as recently informed by the Minister of State for Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha.
• This secure, bilingual, citizen-focused digital platform allows anonymous reporting of drug trafficking, illicit cultivation, storage, and manufacturing, while also offering counselling and rehabilitation support.
• The helpline integrates with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s toll-free number 14446 for rehabilitation guidance and provides access to awareness resources like posters, videos, and brochures through its web portal.
• Citizens can also participate in awareness activities, including quizzes, poster-making, and reel-making contests on the MyGov platform, contributing to the nationwide Drug-Free Bharat campaign.
• By offering a unified, confidential, and multi-channel interface, the MANAS Helpline empowers citizens to actively assist in eradicating the drug menace across India.