I&B Ministry
MIB asks TV channels to display drug abuse warning disclaimer
Advisory urges private satellite broadcasters to show anti-drug message across all programmes
MUMBAI: The government wants the message to hit the screen before drugs hit lives. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has asked all private satellite television channels to display a prominent disclaimer warning viewers about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
In an advisory dated 20 August 2026, the ministry said the move is intended to strengthen public awareness about the dangers of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other intoxicants, with particular emphasis on young people.
The advisory, issued by MIB Under Secretary Navneet Kumar, said television broadcasters can play an important role in spreading awareness about drug abuse and encouraging responsible social messaging.
Broadcasters have been advised to display the following disclaimer in a clear, legible and prominent manner:
“Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs”
The message may be displayed at appropriate intervals during the telecast of all programmes, including general entertainment and non-news programming. The ministry said it should remain on screen for enough time to ensure that viewers can clearly read and understand it.
The advisory draws on the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, framed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The ministry said broadcasters are required to ensure that television programming complies with the applicable statutory and regulatory framework and is presented in a socially responsible manner.
The direction applies to programmes broadcast from the date of issuance and is positioned as part of the government’s wider effort to increase awareness of the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The communication was issued with the approval of the competent authority and circulated to industry bodies including the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF), the News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) and other associations representing news broadcasters.
For television networks, therefore, the next time the programming rolls, an anti-drug message may be rolling with it — making the screen itself part of the government’s awareness push.
