Why is it in the News?

On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi calls upon religious leaders and social organizations to launch a mass movement against drug menace.

Drug Menace in India:

• Alcohol, cannabis, opium, and heroin constitute the primary drugs abused in India.
• Approximately 13% of substance abusers in the country are under 20 years old.
• Adolescence is identified as a critical-risk period for the initiation of substance use.
• Children impacted by substance abuse fall under the category of children in need of care and protection as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015.
• In various regions, including Punjab, Assam, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Bihar, Delhi, etc., drug abuse prevalence is notably high.
• Key causes of drug abuse include factors such as poverty, peer pressure, illiteracy, low self-esteem, and genetic predisposition.

Challenges in Combating the Drug Menace:

• India, strategically located between the Death Triangle (Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos) and Death Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran), is a prominent hub for drug trafficking, particularly in major opium production regions globally.
• Porous borders exacerbate the problem, and technological advancements, such as the utilization of the dark net and cryptocurrency for drug trafficking, further complicate law enforcement efforts.
• Criminalizing drug abuse contributes to social stigma for addicts, deterring them from seeking essential medical assistance.
• There is a notable absence of comprehensive studies assessing the societal impact of drug abuse, hindering the formulation of informed strategies.

Efforts to Combat the Drug Menace:

• The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 outlines measures for identification, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan targets 272 highly vulnerable districts with a focus on community outreach.
• The Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) portal facilitates the management of cases involving substantial drug seizures.
• The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) spanning 2018-2025 adopts a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy.
• Furthermore, adherence to international conventions, including the Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971), reinforces India's commitment to addressing the global issue of drug abuse.