Bhopal, September 2, 2026

Dr Ajay Khemariya         

India’s young population is seen as its biggest strength. But rising drug abuse, unemployment and mental stress are putting that promise at risk. The concern was raised at the recent Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at Gudilova in Visakhapatnam district. Senior RSS functionaries and representatives of 32 Sangh-inspired organisations attended the three-day meeting.

Drug de-addiction and awareness among youth were among the important issues discussed. The meeting stressed that the battle against addiction cannot be left to the government or police alone. Families, schools and social organisations will have to play an active role.

The warning comes at a time when much of the national debate is focused on Gen Z. The term broadly covers those born between 1997 and 2012. India has one of the world’s largest Gen Z populations.

This generation is expected to drive the country’s growth in the coming decades. However, education, skills and employment are not its only concerns. Drug abuse, loneliness, digital dependence and career-related anxiety are also affecting young lives.

The Union Government launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on August 15, 2020. It was first introduced in 272 vulnerable districts and was later expanded across the country. The campaign covers public awareness, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. It also focuses on schools, colleges and communities where young people are more vulnerable to substance abuse.

Government data shows why the issue needs urgent attention. A national survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre at AIIMS, New Delhi, estimated that nearly 16 crore Indians consumed alcohol. The survey estimated that 3.1 crore people used cannabis products, while 2.26 crore consumed opioids. More than 5.7 crore alcohol users and nearly 77 lakh opioid users required treatment or professional support.

The threat is not limited to adults. The survey estimated around 40 lakh opioid users and 30 lakh inhalant users among children aged between 10 and 17 years. The use of inhalants was proportionately higher among children than adults.

These figures explain why awareness must begin at home. Police can arrest traffickers and stop supply chains. Governments can open rehabilitation centres. But families and teachers are often the first to notice that something is wrong.

A sudden fall in academic performance, withdrawal from family, unexplained spending or a change in friends can be early warning signs. Timely conversation and counselling can stop occasional use from turning into addiction.

The problem is also linked with education and employment. NITI Aayog’s recent report, Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047, has drawn attention to nearly 8.7 crore people between the ages of 15 and 29 who are not in education, employment or training. This group is known as the NEET category. It represents a huge pool of young people whose energy and skills remain unused.

Lack of work does not automatically lead to substance abuse. But long periods of idleness, career uncertainty and weak family support can make young people more vulnerable. The link between livelihood, emotional health and addiction cannot be ignored.

The nature of drug abuse is also changing. It is no longer restricted to a particular income group or region. Expanding cities, educational hubs and even smaller towns are facing the problem. Easy money, peer pressure and quick access to intoxicants have added to the risk. Synthetic drugs and small packets sold through local networks have made detection more difficult.

Government action remains necessary. Supply networks must be broken and the sale of intoxicants around schools and colleges must be checked. Treatment and counselling facilities must also be made easier to find and use.

The national de-addiction helpline, 14446, and government-supported rehabilitation centres offer help. But many families still hide the problem because of social stigma. Delay often makes treatment more difficult.

The RSS has placed the responsibility on society as much as on the government. Its approach is based on a simple fact: addiction begins with an individual but soon affects the entire family.

A Nasha Mukt Bharat will require strict action against traffickers. It will also require alert parents, sensitive teachers, trained counsellors and communities willing to help those seeking recovery.

India’s demographic advantage will have meaning only when its youth remain healthy, skilled and confident. Protecting Gen Z from drugs is, therefore, not merely a social campaign. It is essential to India’s Viksit Bharat goal.