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Parliament Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in India has recommended conducting a survey to assess the impact of drug abuse on society.
What is Drug Abuse:
- Drug abuse involves excessive, inappropriate, or harmful use of legal or illegal substances.
- Results in negative consequences: physical, mental, social, and behavioral.
Key Panel Findings:
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment lacks a comprehensive study on societal impact.
- States like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Odisha, and Maharashtra have around 37 crore individuals engaged in drug and alcohol consumption.
- Insufficient District De-Addiction Centers (DDAC) presence.
- The decline in allocations for preventive education and awareness programs.
- Delay in Navchetna Programme’s Master Trainer training.
Recommendations:
- Regular meetings for the Apex Committee of Narcotics Coordination Centre (MHA, 2016).
- System to assess the impact of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
- Integrate drug addiction chapters in the education curriculum.
- Enhanced coordination among government departments for a holistic approach.
- Regular surveys by National Drug Dependence Treatment Centres (NDDTC) and National Institute of Social Defence.
Government Measures:
- The NDPS Act 1985, regulates drug abuse, prohibiting various related activities.
- The National Drug Demand Reduction Programme (NDDPR) focuses on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- The National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse (NFCDA) supports NDDPR implementation.
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s Central Sector Scheme for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
- ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ was launched in 2020 to combat drug abuse in vulnerable districts.
Conclusion:
- Addressing drug abuse requires a collective effort of awareness, education, and intervention.
- Robust initiatives and coordinated strategies can pave the way to a healthier and drug-free society.
