A National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has been prepared for 2018-2023 which aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy involving education, de-addiction and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families.
Background
- Article 47 of the Constitution provides that the State shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.
- India is a signatory to the three UN Conventions namely
. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961
. Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971
. Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
- The Government has enacted the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the year 1985 to make stringent provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- The Government has also brought out a National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) in 2012 to serve as a guide to various Ministries/ Departments, State Governments, International Organisations and NGOs.
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse since 1985-86 for identification, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts through voluntary organizations.
- A National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) has been set up in the NISD since 1998 to provide technical support to the Government on policies relating to substance abuse prevention.
Components Under NAPDDR
[These components are eligible for financial assistance]
- Preventive education and awareness generation
- Capacity building
- Treatment and rehabilitation
- Setting quality standards
- Focused intervention in vulnerable areas
- Skill development, vocational training and livelihood support of ex-drug addicts
- Survey, studies, evaluation, research and innovation on the subjects covered under the Scheme
- Programs for Drug demand reduction by States/ UTs
- Program management
- Any other activity or item which will augment/ strengthen the implementation of NAPDDR
