Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
4. Discuss how the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPSA) has evolved since its introduction in 1985? Also explain the need for a more rational approach to punishment and sentencing with respect to drug possession and quantities.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The podcast brings to us the discussion of Drug regulation laws in the country.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the evolution of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPSA) since its inception and explain the need for a more rational approach to punishment and sentencing with respect to drug possession and quantities.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Set the background of the question like how the Act has been in news recently owing to many incidences involving Drug abuse.
Body:
Explain the coming of the Act; India is a signatory to the UN Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and the Convention on Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 which prescribe various forms of control aimed to achieve the dual objective of limiting the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes as well as preventing the abuse of the same.
The administrative and legislative setup in the field of Narcotics has been put in place in the country in accordance with the spirit of the UN Conventions. The basic legislative instrument of the Government of India in this regard is the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Discuss the key features; The Act provides stringent provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
It also provides for forfeiture of property derived from, or used in, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
It also provides for death penalty in some cases where a person is a repeat offender.
Comment then on the need for a more rational approach to punishment and sentencing with respect to drug possession and quantities.
Conclusion:
Conclude with what should be the way forward.
