National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction launched

On June 26, 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, “Nasha Mukt Bharat”. The plan was launched on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Highlights

Every year, the United Nations observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. In India, the day is observed by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Ministry is the nodal agency for drug demand reduction and to monitor aspects of drug abuse prevention.

Drug Abuse Prevention in India

The drug abuse prevention actions in India includes the following

• Assessment of extent of the problem
• Preventive actions
• Treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts
• Dissemination of information and public awareness

National Action Plan for Drug Demand reduction

The plan is to focus on 272 districts that are most affected by drug abuse. A three-pronged attack is to be launched. It is as follows

• Outreach or Awareness by social justice
• Combining efforts of Narcotics Bureau
• Treatment through health department

Under the plan, the ministry is to undertake intervention programme in vulnerable districts all over the country. Voluntary organizations and NGOs are to be involved to identify, treat and rehabilitate drug addicts.

The ministry has also set up a 24/7 national toll-free help line number 1800110031. The number will help victims of drug abuse and their family at large.

The Action plan also includes setting up of quality standards, skill development, focused intervention in vulnerable areas, livelihood support to ex-drug addicts, skill development, preventive education and awareness generation.

Fund Allocation

The GoI had allocated Rs 49 crores for the programme in the year 2017-18. It was increased to Rs 110 crores in 2019-20 and for the year 2020-21, the fund allocation for the programme has been increased to Rs 260 crores.

This proves commitment of India in tackling the grave problem of drug abuse.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020