Daily News Analysis » Parliamentary panel findings on Drug abuse in India

Parliamentary panel findings on Drug abuse in India

Why in news?

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.