Aizawl: Mizoram has been ranked first among all states in India for its performance in implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the state government said.
The recognition was announced during a meeting chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, on September 3, 2026.
The NAPDDR is a central government initiative aimed at preventing the spread of drug abuse and strengthening measures for drug demand reduction across the country. In Mizoram, the Social Welfare, Women & Child Development Department is the nodal department for implementing the programme.
The plan focuses on helping people affected by drug abuse seek recovery, ensuring access to treatment through rehabilitation and treatment centres, and strengthening the capacity of those working in drug de-addiction and rehabilitation through training and other interventions.
Awareness among children and young people who have not yet used drugs is also a key component of the programme.
The Mizoram government has been implementing these initiatives in collaboration with churches and various civil society organisations. Particular emphasis has also been placed on protecting women and children from substance abuse.
At the state level, the initiatives are reviewed and planned under the leadership of Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii. At the district level, Deputy Commissioners have been overseeing implementation, with activities extending down to the block level.
The state government has also been submitting reports on its progress to the Ministry regularly, enabling the Centre to assess implementation at both state and district levels.
Under the NAPDDR, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is also being implemented across all districts of Mizoram as part of the campaign against drug abuse. The Deputy Commissioner of each district serves as the chairman of the district-level NMBA activities.
A State Level Steering and Monitoring Committee on Drug Demand Reduction, headed by the Chief Secretary, oversees the implementation of drug demand reduction measures in the state.
At the district level, District Level Committees on Drug Demand Reduction have been constituted under the respective Deputy Commissioners, while Block Level Committees on Drug Demand Reduction function under the Block Development Officers.
The state government said these mechanisms are being strengthened further to ensure more effective and coordinated action against drug abuse.
The Social Welfare, Women & Child Development Department also acknowledged the contribution of churches and civil society organisations, saying their strong cooperation with government initiatives has played an important role in curbing the growing prevalence of drug abuse in Mizoram.