The Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment recently unveiled the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) website on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held every 26th June. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the nodal ministry for Drug Demand Reduction, is responsible for implementing a variety of drug abuse prevention programs nationwide.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
In December 1987, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolved to establish 26th June as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as part of its commitment to fostering a world without drug abuse. This year, the theme was “Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives”.
Global Initiatives Against Drug Abuse
Several initiatives have been implemented globally to fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. These include:
– Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961
– The Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971
– The UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988
India is a signatory to all three conventions and has enacted the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, to enforce their provisions locally. Additionally, the UN publishes an annual World Drug Report, detailing global trends in drug use and trafficking.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan/Drugs-Free India Campaign
Launched on Independence Day (15th August) in 2020, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan or Drugs-Free India Campaign is operational in 272 districts identified as most susceptible to drug abuse. This campaign combines preventative measures, mass education, and sensitization with service provider capacity building and collaborations with educational institutions. It also emphasizes the augmentation of treatment, rehabilitation, and counseling facilities.
National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction
Under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, a National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has been implemented for 2018-2025. The NAPDDR aims to decrease the adverse impacts of drug abuse through an integrated strategy that includes education, de-addiction, and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families.
The national plan focuses on preventative education, awareness generation, early identification, counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons. It also covers the training and capacity building of service providers. Central and State Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations work in collaboration to ensure the success of this strategy. Furthermore, over 500 voluntary organizations across the country receive financial assistance under the NAPDDR scheme.