GS1/GS 2 Paper
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions/ Indian Society
Source: TOI
Context: Parliament Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in India has recommended conducting a survey to assess the impact of drug abuse on society.
In 2018, the ministry commissioned a national survey conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) AIIMS, which formed the basis of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) to address drug abuse in the country.
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse refers to the excessive, inappropriate, or harmful use of legal or illegal substances, leading to negative physical, mental, social, and behavioural consequences.
Findings of the Panel:
- No comprehensive study or survey has been conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to assess the impact of drug abuse on society.
- Around 37 crore people in the age groups of 10-17 years (children) and 18-75 years (adults) are using drugs and alcohol in states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
- Penetration of District De-Addiction Centers (DDAC) is inadequate.
- Decrease in financial allocations for preventive education and awareness programs.
- Delay in providing training to Master Trainers under the Navchetna Programme, which focuses on life skills and drug education for school children.
| Recommendations |
| 1. Regular meetings and reviews of the Apex Committee of Narcotics Coordination Centre (set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2016). |
| 2. Establish an impact assessment mechanism for National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). |
| 3. Incorporate awareness chapters on drug addiction, consequences, and de-addiction measures in the education curriculum. |
| 4. Foster inter-ministerial coordination to address both supply and demand side issues. |
| 5. Conduct periodic surveys by National Drug Dependence Treatment Centres (NDDTC) to stay updated on drug abuse situations. |
| 6. National Institute of Social Defence should undertake the survey to provide a clearer understanding of the issue and aid in better intervention strategies |
India’s vulnerability:
India is geographically situated between major drug-producing regions, including the Golden Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) and Golden Triangle (Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos).
Negative impacts of drug addiction on individuals, families, and society:
| Aspect | Negative Impacts | Examples |
| Individuals | Physical health deterioration | Lung damage due to smoking |
| Mental health disorders | Anxiety, depression, psychosis | |
| Impaired cognitive function | Memory loss, decreased concentration | |
| Reduced productivity and job loss | Frequent absenteeism from work | |
| Financial strain and poverty | Spending money on drugs, neglecting bills | |
| Criminal involvement and legal issues | Arrests for drug possession | |
| Families | Breakdown of family relationships | Strained communication, conflicts |
| Emotional distress and trauma | Children witnessing parent’s addiction | |
| Financial instability due to addiction-related costs | Draining savings to support addiction | |
| Neglect of responsibilities towards family | Parents failing to provide for children | |
| Increased domestic violence | Arguments and fights fueled by addiction | |
| Society | Increased crime rates and public safety concerns | Drug-related thefts, violence |
| The burden on healthcare systems | Increased hospital admissions | |
| Reduced workforce productivity | Absenteeism and decreased output | |
| The strain on social services | Overburdened rehabilitation centres | |
| Impact on education and future prospects | Dropouts due to addiction-related issues | |
| Disruption of community well-being | Communities plagued by drug-related issues |
Government measures to address drug abuse:
- ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ (Drugs-Free India Campaign) was launched in August 2020 in 272 vulnerable districts.
- The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025.
- The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established in November 2016.
- The “National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse” was created to support efforts against illicit drug traffic, addiction rehabilitation, and public education.
- National Drugs & Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act, 1985 (Narcotics Control Bureau has been set up under it)
- National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 2012
InstaLinks:
Mains Link:
India is vulnerable to narcotic drug trafficking. Critically examine its causes. Also, comment on the role of the Government in combating the drug problem. (15M)
