The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking recently saw the launch of an annual Anti-Drug Action Plan for 2020-21 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This plan, covering 272 districts, includes awareness generation programs, focus on treatment facilities, identification of drug-dependent population, and capacity-building for service providers. It aims to address drug abuse or substance abuse, a pervasive issue affecting millions globally.
Action Plan for 2020-21
The 2020-21 Action Plan concentrates on the creation and expansion of de-addiction facilities identified by the Narcotics Control Bureau in the most affected 272 districts. The districts primarily belong to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and the North-East. The plan emphasises providing treatment, building de-addiction facilities and targeting the youth and high-risk populations.
Drop-in-Centres and Rehabilitation Initiatives
The plan also envisages setting up drop-in-centres for addicts, with a focus on peer-led community-based outreach programs for high-risk populations – particularly the youth. These centres will provide screening, assessment, counselling, and linkage to treatment and rehabilitation services for drug dependents. Alongside, Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCAs) funded by the Ministry aims to conduct community outreach initiatives to help those grappling with addiction.
Drug-Free India Campaign
The Ministry has announced the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’, or Drug-Free India Campaign. This campaign focuses on not just institutional support but also on community outreach programmes in the identified districts.
Significance of The Action Plan
The action plan goes beyond traditional methods of addressing drug abuse. National level campaigns are planned across schools and higher education campuses for sensitization. Enhanced funding is provided for institutions to combat the drug abuse, marking a strategic shift in India’s fight against drugs.
Challenges To Curb The Drug Menace
Several challenges exist in curbing drug abuse in India. These include the prevalence of legally available drugs like tobacco, lack of rehabilitation centres, and smuggling of drugs across states sharing borders with neighbouring countries.
Background: National Survey on Substance Use
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment conducted a National Survey on Substance Use in 2018. As per this survey, about 850,000 Indians inject drugs, about 460,000 children and 7.7 million Indians require help for opioid dependence.
Global Initiatives by the United Nations
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works towards spreading awareness and urging governments to tackle the illicit trafficking of drugs.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Also known as ‘World Drug Day’, it is celebrated annually on June 26th since 1987, commemorating Lin Zexu’s efforts towards dismantling the opium trade. The 2020 theme was ‘Better Knowledge for Better Care’, emphasising the need to understand the drug problem better.
Way Forward
Addressing drug abuse requires a targeted approach. Addiction should not be seen merely as a character flaw but as an ailment that needs medical help and support from families. The stigma associated with drug-taking needs to be reduced through social awareness and voluntary processes. The action plan aims at an addiction-free India, particularly addressing drug abuse in colleges and universities.
