essay on drug addiction upsc

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UPSC Essentials: Case Study of the week- Fight for a drug-free community

Every youth who destroys his life by drug addiction is a loss to our society. the solution-oriented case study discusses the issue of drug abuse and de-addiction programme that aspirants will find useful in gs i, essay and ethics. solve the mcq given below after reading this article..

An article that fits as a case study is a story from The Indian Express . “In Arunachal district, women lead the fight for the drug-free community” written by Tora Agarwala. A solution-oriented story discusses a successful campaign against drug abuse in Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh. Led by women, the initiative titled “Nasha Mukt Changlang”, also shows how the dedicated district administration achieved its goal with the support of other stakeholders.

Case studies are an important part of the UPSC civil services exam, especially the ethics paper. These case studies can also be very beneficial for value addition in the essay, GS mains and interview. This particular case study is relevant for GS I- Issues related to women, youth, drug addiction. Also, recently United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its World Drug Report 2022 on World Drug Day. Use the case study wisely and enrich your answers. (Solve the MCQ given at the end of the article.)

“Every youth who destroy his life by drug addiction is a loss for our society”. For 25 long years, Kimcham Taiju’s husband in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh was addicted to ‘kaani’ which is opium in Arunachal Pradesh. Located in India’s eastern most periphery, Changlang of Arunachal Pradesh has long contended with an addiction problem. In 2021, a survey on substance abuse conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment identified the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh as among the 272 most vulnerable in the country. This has led the district administration to try to find a solution to this big problem.

Drug addiction problem and the fight against it. To fight against this serious issue there is a need for administration, civil societies and individuals to come together- not just for treatment but also rehabilitation.

The problem

1. Addiction is a problem that has its roots in colonial times. “The British encouraged the Singphos (in the northern region of the district) to consume opium to subjugate them. In Tangsa (tribe) areas, near Myanmar, black salt was traded for opium. This led to addiction in the local population. Soon, other synthetic drugs made inroads”- Deputy Commissioner of Changlang.

2. Several government-sponsored de-addiction camps were carried out without much success in the past. Most of them were traditional in nature with less participation from other stakeholders, other than the government.

3. Changlang and the two neighboring districts of Tirap and Longding (colloquially referred to as part of the TLC belt) have long been caught in a cycle of drugs and insurgencies: militant groups trade opium for arms. Despite multiple crackdowns by government agencies over the years, opium continues to thrive, with plantations across these areas.

The stakeholders

Drug addicts, district administration, women SHGs, gram sabha, NGOs, livelihood providers (for those who return after treatment), every individual etc.

The solutions

1. Bottom-up approach: A change in approach from the traditional unsuccessful past. Differently formulated de-addiction programme which would be bottom-up, and in collaboration with the village. In a bottom-up approach, there is a willingness to solve problems by creating fluidly. There is no imposition of structure. Every individual is seen as a stakeholder and participates in the mission.

2. Role of SHGs and Gram Sabha: Deputy Commissioner directed the women to activate their Self Help Group (SHG) network, and hold a gram sabha meeting, presided by village elders, where the issue was discussed, a list of addicts drawn up, and the idea of de-addiction suggested. At the end of the meeting, a unanimous resolution was passed: an undertaking by the village to be “drug-free”.

3. “Nasha Mukt Changlang” initiative- Like ” Nasha Mukt Bharat” on a micro-scale, it targeted the entire village, instead of a single individual. The addicts would be sent for a month-long de-addiction programme, either at a pre-existing NGO-run health facility or a temporary one in the village, followed by post-treatment rehabilitation including government-sponsored livelihood opportunities as well as counseling sessions and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

As alternative livelihood options for those who have returned from the camps, the administration has provided recovering villages with poultry, piggery, and mushroom units to keep them busy.

So, “Nasha Mukta Chalang comprised” of (can be used in your answers and case studies solutions)

—Month long de-addiction programme at a de-addiction facility.

—Post-treatment rehabilitation and government-sponsored livelihood opportunities

—Counseling sessions

—Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

4. Close synergy between local communities and authorities- Success is possible due to the close synergy between the local community and the authorities. As the administration is involved things were seen to be more “systematic”.

5. Initiative by individuals -The story mentions Kitnya. Kitnya is the administration’s point of contact on the ground for villages under two circles, Yatdam and Namtok. From persuading people to join the camps, to coordinating with local SHGs, to supervising the day-to-day running of the centers, Kitnya spends hours in voluntary service.

6. Treat the problem as social, not criminal- “We did not treat the issue as a law and order problem. With addicts, treat them as patients and not as criminals because addiction is a medical problem. They need patience and care.” Positive sign- reports of some who relapsed, post-treatment.

7. Pro-active role of administration- It is seen by the efforts of administration right from the time when a group of women approached the district’s then Deputy Commissioner, Devansh Yadav, in February 2021, seeking a solution. The administration and the deputy commissioner realised that out-of-box thinking is required. It was realised that the administration has to walk hand in hand with the SHGs, Women groups, gram sabha and the village as a whole. The Deputy Commissioner says, “Since everyone in the village is involved, it is easy to identify them and work with them again.”

Interesting narration ( fit for an essay anecdote)

Kimcham Taiju says, she made the “bravest decision” of her life: she signed up her husband for a drug de-addiction programme. One Sunday evening in March, Taiju and the other women of the village gathered at the local community hall, and decided that “enough was enough”. A list of 50 names was drawn up, and submitted for the district administration’s month-long drug de-addiction programme. That night, Taiju broke the news to her husband. “Jaabi ne? (Will you go),” Taiju recalls asking him. “Jaam de (I will),” was his answer. The men were sent 100 km away, to a de-addiction facility in Bordumsa town. The women say the plan worked because “no one was singled out”. “They knew they were going together,” says Taijong, in her 40s.

Beyond the case –

1. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day , is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

2. This year the theme is “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises”. The focus of the United Nations Office On Drug And Crime (UNODC) is to spread awareness about it so that a world free of drug abuse can be created. The motive is to fight off misinformation by sharing facts and by providing methods of treatment, prevention and care.

3. Recently, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its World Drug Report 2022 on World Drug Day. In 2021, drugs accounted for 91 percent of all sales on the 28 major darknet marketplaces, up from 85 percent in 2019.

Initiatives of the Government of India against drug abuse

1. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025. It aims to reduce the adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy involving education, de-addiction and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families.

2. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act To prevent and combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, with an apparent emphasis on supply reduction.

3. The National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse.

4. The Mental Health Care Act (2017) has included alcohol and drug use disorders under its ambit.

5. NCPCR-NCB released an action plan to combat drug abuse among children

The plan has been conceptualised as a framework to wean children away from drug abuse and stop the sale of drugs near schools and educational and childcare institutions.

Point to ponder

If you were a civil servant what will you do to tackle drug addiction among youth in your area on the social front?

Which of the following statement is true:

1. Theme for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022 is Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.

2. The Mental Health Care Act (2017) includes alcohol and drug use disorders under its ambit.

3. India is a signatory to Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.

4. According to the World Drug Report 2022, there has been an acceleration in the use of cannabis in some areas of the world.

a) 1 and 2                        b) 1, 2 and 3 c) 2 and 4                        d) All are correct

Answer for the previous MCQ-

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Drug Abuse: Exploring the Sociological Dimensions of Addiction

04 Nov 2023

Pranay aggarwal.

Why in news?

• Union Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment has recommended changes to NDPS Act to ensure drug users and addicts are treated as ‘victims’ and exempt from a prison term.

Introduction:

Drug abuse, a pervasive issue affecting individuals and communities worldwide, has garnered significant attention from sociologists and social scientists. This article aims to shed light on the complexities and societal implications of drug abuse.

Defining Drug Abuse:

Drug abuse refers to the excessive and harmful consumption of psychoactive substances, including illicit drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol. Sociologists often employ the term substance abuse to encompass the broad range of substances and their varying social, cultural, and legal contexts. It is crucial to differentiate drug abuse from responsible and controlled drug use, as the former involves patterns of substance misuse that lead to negative physical, psychological, and social outcomes.

Understanding Drug Abuse from a Sociological Perspective:

Sociologists analyze drug abuse through multiple theoretical frameworks, shedding light on its social, cultural, and structural determinants. One prominent theory is the social disorganization theory , which posits that drug abuse is influenced by social factors such as poverty, unemployment, lack of social support, and neighborhood characteristics. According to this perspective, individuals living in disadvantaged communities may resort to drug abuse as a coping mechanism or as a result of limited opportunities.

Another relevant framework is the social learning theory , which suggests that drug abuse is learned and reinforced through social interactions, including peer influence, family dynamics, and cultural norms. Individuals may adopt drug abuse behaviors by observing and imitating others, perceiving drug use as a means of achieving social acceptance or coping with stressors.

Sociologists also explore the role of deviance in drug abuse, analyzing how societal reactions, labeling processes, and stigmatization contribute to the perpetuation of drug abuse behaviors. R.K Merton’s strain theory in Social Structure and Anomie classifies drug addicts as retreatists . They have tried to attain material success i.e. pursued culturally approved goals using the institutionalized, socially approved means. However, having failed, they ‘drop out’ of the society and retreat to become drug addicts.

The concept of moral panic is often invoked to describe societal responses characterized by exaggerated fears and moral judgments surrounding drug use, which can further marginalize individuals and hinder effective intervention and support.

Perspectives from Indian and Western Sociologists:

Indian sociologists have contributed valuable insights into drug abuse within the Indian context. Ashis Nandy , in his work " The Intimate Enemy: Loss and Recovery of Self Under Colonialism ", examines the psychological and sociocultural implications of drug abuse among marginalized communities in India. He highlights the historical and colonial roots of drug addiction, addressing its association with dislocation, trauma, and cultural alienation.

Western sociologists have also made significant contributions to the understanding of drug abuse. Howard Becker , in his influential book " Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance ", explores the processes through which individuals become labeled as deviant, including drug users. His work highlights the social construction of deviance and the impact of societal reactions on individuals' identities and opportunities.

Consequences and Social Implications:

Drug abuse has wide-ranging consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities. It leads to physical and mental health issues, including addiction, overdose, and increased risk of infectious diseases. Drug abuse also exacerbates social problems such as crime, violence, and strained social welfare systems. Furthermore, it perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, as individuals may face barriers to education, employment, and social integration.

Addressing Drug Abuse:

Efforts to address drug abuse necessitate a multifaceted approach that combines prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Sociologists emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying social factors contributing to drug abuse, including poverty, social dislocation, and marginalization. This calls for comprehensive social policies, access to healthcare, community support programs, and targeted interventions to address the root causes and consequences of drug abuse.

Conclusion:

Drug abuse is a complex social phenomenon that requires a sociological lens to comprehend its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. By examining drug abuse through sociological theories and acknowledging the social implications, we gain a deeper understanding of this issue. It is crucial to foster a compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug abuse that recognizes the intersecting factors of social inequality, stigma, and structural determinants to promote individual well-being and create supportive communities.

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

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General Studies

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Study Material

Drug abuse in India

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Drug menace in India

News Summary

Why in news.

• During a debate in the L
• ok Sabha, Union Home Minister said that the government has zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.
• As a result of this policy, drug seizures and cases against traffickers went up in recent years.

What are the reasons for widespread Drug Abuse in India?

• The disintegration of the old joint family system, decline of religious and moral values etc. lead to a rise in the number of drug addicts who take drugs to escape hard realities of life.
• Loosening of the traditional methods of social control leaves an individual vulnerable to the stresses and strains of modern life.
• Many youths start using drug under the pressure from their friends, seniors at educational institutions, or by members of their informal groupings.
• Golden Crescent - Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan
• Golden Triangle - Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar
• The usage of drugs in India is increasing, particularly in the border areas due to their porous nature.
• The agricultural reforms and other industrial activity have led to increase in income in regions like Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra etc.
• Increase in disposable money and easy availability of drugs has led to increase in its use.

What are the steps taken to tackle Drug Abuse in India?

• Article 47 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
• the single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol,
• the Conventions on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and
• the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
• Enacted Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 and The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was created in 1986 as a nodal agency to fight against this menace.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) are involved with alcohol and drug demand reduction policies and drug de-addiction programme.
• In order to prevent misuse of dual-use drugs, a permanent inter-ministerial committee has been formed with the ministry of health and family welfare and the ministry of chemicals.
• The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism was set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the year 2016 for effective drug law enforcement.
• Besides information exchange, the portal will also help in knowledge management.
• The NCB is working to launch a helpline soon.
• While participating in a debate in Lok Sabha, the Union home minister Amit Shah stressed that the government is committed to wipe out narcotics trafficking.

Key highlights

• The government has mapped possible routes and drug trafficking networks in 472 districts across the country.
• No matter how big the culprit is, in the next two years they will be behind bars.
• As per the data shared by the minister, 6-lakh kilo of drugs were seized between 2014 and 2022 as compared to 22.45-lakh kilo between 2006 and 2013.
• The value of the drugs seized went up from Rs 33,000 crore to Rs 97,000 crore in the same period.
• strengthening of institutions;
• empowerment and coordination among agencies; and
• extensive awareness and rehabilitation campaigns.
• Many states had criticised this step as they saw this empowerment as an encroachment on their jurisdiction.

Q1) What is drug abuse?

The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.

Q2) Is Narcotics Control Bureau a statutory body?

Yes. NCB was constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Source:  Drug abuse amidst pandemic

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Recently, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have arrested two persons, including a Pakistani national, and seized 20.57 kg of heroin being smuggled in via Punjab.

• According to a report by the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), India is one of the major hubs of illicit drug trade ranging from age-old cannabis to newer prescription drugs like tramadol, and designer drugs like methamphetamine .
• The money from the drug trade is used to finance terrorism, human trafficking, illegal businesses etc.
• Golden Triangle: It includes the regions of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand and is Southeast Asia’s main opium-producing region and one of the oldest narcotics supply routes to Europe and North America.
• Golden Crescent: It includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan and is a principal global site for opium production and distribution.
• Abuse of drugs among friends and peers
• Lack of social support
• Stress in life
• Low socioeconomic status
• Mental disorder such as depression
• Lack of friends in school or any social setting
• Traumatic events
• The economic downturn caused by the global pandemic may drive more people to substance abuse or leave them vulnerable to involvement in drug trafficking and related crime.
• It has aggravated the crime scenario in India.
• Persons dealing with narcotic drugs are instruments in causing the deaths of innocent and vulnerable victims.
• Other impacts like losing job, financial troubles, sexual abuse, accidents and injuries, legal consequences, etc.

Legal Provisions in India and World

• It outlaws the recreational use of cannabis .
• Under the Act, the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and use of cannabis is a punishable offence.
• The NDPS Act, however, does not apply to the leaves and seeds of cannabis plants.
• In case the CBD is extracted from the leaves of the cannabis, then technically it is not illegal.
• CBD oil manufactured under a licence issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used.
• It is vested with the power to charge individuals in cases related to the illegal use and supply of narcotics.
• India is a signatory to various international drug-related UN conventions and the responsibility of implementation of the provision of these international conventions also lies with NCB.
• It is the central policy-making body for the UN drug control system, which meets on an annual basis
• The Vienna-based CND was founded in 1946.
• It is to decide on the scope of control of substances by placing them in the schedules of global drug control conventions.

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Drug Abuse in India: Sociological Perspective

Relevance: G.S paper I: Society and Social Issues

Sociology: Sociological thinkers:  Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups.

Although the use of various psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis and opioids has been observed in India for centuries, the current dimension of the extent and pattern of psychoactive substance use and the problems associated with their use are not well documented.

Drug Abuse in India

• Substance abuse exists in all population groups but adult men bear the brunt of substance use disorders.
• Alcohol  is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians. About 14.6% of population (between 10 to 75 years) consume alcohol. States with the highest prevalence of alcohol use are Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
• After Alcohol,  Cannabis and Opioids  are the next commonly used substances in India. About 2.8% of the population (3.1 crore individuals) reports having used any cannabis product within the previous year.
• According to NCRB data, in 2019, 7719 out of the total 7860 suicide victims due to drug abuse/alcohol addiction were male.
• Even in the data relating to deaths due to road accidents, drugs & alcohol are one of the most causative factors.

Reasons for use of drugs in India

• India is at the location between  Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and Golden Triange (Burma, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam)  which are the two largest opium producing regions of the World.
• Students and Youth consume drugs as a  stress buster  from their studies or work pressure. It is generally seen that an unemployed youth, out of frustration, ends up in taking drugs.
• Peer pressure and other psychological factors  like the glamour attached to it and out of fun can cause teens to engage in risky behaviours, leading to substance abuse.
• People in the lower income group  who cannot have an adequate amount of food, take drugs to sleep or relax.
• The cause behind drug menace is the  drug cartels, crime syndicates  and ultimately the ISI which is the biggest supplier of drugs.
• The  African as well as the South Asian route  being misused to bring drugs into the country.

Impact of Drug Abuse

• Drug abuse leads to physical, psychological, moral and intellectual decay. This means wastage of economic potential of young generation.
• Drug addiction causes immense human distress. Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, assault and impulsive murders increase with drug abuse.
• Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and can affect relationships with family and friends.
• Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult.
• Illegal production and distribution of drugs have spawned crime and violence worldwide.
• Increase in incidences of HIV, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis due to addiction adds the reservoir of infection in the community burdening the health care system further.
• Women in India face greater problems from drug abuse. The consequences include domestic violence and infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden.

Efforts by India to reduce Drug abuse

As enshrined in its constitution ( Article 47 ) and being one of the signatories of the United Nation’s International Conventions, India had the onus act to eliminate the use of illicit drugs, to develop measures to prevent drug use and to ensure availability of treatment for people with drug use disorders.

India has adopted the three-pronged strategies – supply, demand and harm reduction .

Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP)

• Following the 1971’s UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, established an  Expert Committee  to look into the issue of drug and alcohol use in India.
• The Committee’s report was submitted in 1977, and after approval from the Planning Commission, Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP) was rolled out in 1985-1986.
• The  primary aim  of the DDAP was  drug demand reduction .

Sociological Explanations

Sociological explanations emphasize the importance of certain aspects of the social environment—social structure, social bonds to family and school, social interaction, and culture—or drug use, depending on the type of drug.

For drugs like heroin and crack that tend to be used mostly in large urban areas, the social structure, or, to be more precise, social inequality, certainly seems to matter.

As sociologist Elliott Currie (1994, p. 3) has observed, the use of these drugs by urban residents, most of them poor and of color, reflects the impact of poverty and racial inequality:

“Serious drug use is not evenly distributed: it runs ‘along the fault lines of our society.’ It is concentrated among some groups and not others, and has been for at least half a century.”

This fact helps explain why heroin use grew in the inner cities during the 1960s, as these areas remained poor even as the US economy was growing.

 Inner-city youths were attracted to heroin because its physiological effects helped them forget about their situation and also because the heroin subculture —using an illegal drug with friends, buying the drug from dealers, and so forth—was an exciting alternative to the bleakness of their daily lives. Crack became popular in inner cities during the 1980s for the same reasons.

Social bonds to families and schools also make a difference . Adolescents with weak bonds to their families and schools, as measured by such factors as the closeness they feel to their parents and teachers, are more likely to use drugs of various types than adolescents with stronger bonds to their families and schools.

Their weaker bonds prompt them to be less likely to accept conventional norms and more likely to use drugs and engage in other delinquent behavior.

Regarding social interaction, sociologists emphasize that peer influences greatly influence one’s likelihood of using alcohol, tobacco, and a host of other drugs (Hanson et al., 2012).

Much and probably most drug use begins during adolescence, when peer influences are especially important. When our friends during this stage of life are drinking, smoking, or using other drugs, many of us want to fit in with the crowd and thus use one of these drugs ourselves.

In a related explanation, sociologists also emphasize that society’s “drug culture” matters for drug use.

For example, because we have a culture that so favors alcohol, many people drink alcohol. And because we have a drug culture in general, it is no surprise, sociologically speaking, that drug use of many types is so common.

To the extent that social inequality, social interaction, and a drug culture matter for drug use, sociologists say, it is a mistake to view most drug use as stemming from an individual’s biological or psychological problems.

Although these problems do play a role for some individuals’ use of some drugs, drug use as a whole stems to a large degree from the social environment and must be understood as a social problem, and not just as an individual problem.

Way Forward

• Considering the enormous challenge of substance use disorders in the country, there is an urgent need of policies and programmes which can bring relief to the large number of affected Indian citizens.
• Scientific evidence-based treatment needs to be made available for people with Substance use disorders.
• A coordinated, multi-stakeholder response will be necessary to scale-up treatment programmes in the country.
• Evidence-based substance use prevention programmes are needed to protect the young people.
• A conducive legal and policy environment is needed to help control drug problems.
• Harm reduction needs to be embraced widely as a philosophy to deal with substance use.
• Prevention of drug abuse and its health and psychosocial impact should be made part of the curriculum from the upper primary level.
• Revival of school clubs for early identification of drug users and expert intervention and setting up of suggestion box in schools.
• Awareness building and educating people about ill effects of drug abuse.
• Community based intervention for motivational counselling, identification, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
• Training of volunteer/service providers and other stakeholders with a view to build up a committed and skilled cadre.
• Undertake drug demand reduction efforts to address all forms of drug abuse including dependence related to the consumption of two or more substances at the same time.
• Drug menace is the manifestation of deep-rooted distortions in the socio-cultural, economic and political system. Being systemic and multi-dimensional, its solution shall have to be systemic and multi-pronged.
• It is emphasized the need of preventive, punitive and curative measures to tackle the menace.
• There is an urgent need to understand the complexity of the problem having far-reaching social, economic and political implications.
• There is a need to address all these factors responsible for drug menace in the region as punitive measures alone cannot uproot this menace.

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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

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23 August, 2021

Drug Abuse in India

• Social issues
• Ministry of Social Justice

Although the use of various psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis and opioids has been observed in India for centuries, the current dimension of the extent and pattern of psychoactive substance use and the problems associated with their use are not well documented.

The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the technical and scientific aspects of the National Survey on Extent and Pattern for Substance Use in India which was conducted in all the 36 states and UTs of the country, in collaboration with ten other medical institutes and a network of 15 NGOs.

• Substance abuse exists in all population groups but adult men bear the brunt of substance use disorders.
• Alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance used by Indians. About 14.6% of population (between 10 to 75 years) consume alcohol. States with the highest prevalence of alcohol use are Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
• After Alcohol, Cannabis and Opioids are the next commonly used substances in India. About 2.8% of the population (3.1 crore individuals) reports having used any cannabis product within the previous year.
• It has been estimated that there are about 8.5 lakh people who inject drugs.
• Of the total cases estimated by the report, more than half of them are contributed by states like Punjab, Assam, Delhi, Haryana, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.
• About 60 lakh people are estimated to need help for their opioid use problems.
• More and more children are taking to alcohol consumption and the highest percentage of children who are addicted to alcohol are in Punjab followed by West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
• According to NCRB data, in 2019, 7719 out of the total 7860 suicide victims due to drug abuse/alcohol addiction were male.
• Even in the data relating to deaths due to road accidents, drugs & alcohol are one of the most causative factors.

Reasons for use of drugs in India

• India is at the location between Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and Golden Triange (Burma, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam) which are the two largest opium producing regions of the World.
• Students and Youth consume drugs as a stress buster from their studies or work pressure. It is generally seen that an unemployed youth, out of frustration, ends up in taking drugs.
• Peer pressure and other psychological factors like the glamour attached to it and out of fun can cause teens to engage in risky behaviours, leading to substance abuse.
• People in the lower income group who cannot have an adequate amount of food, take drugs to sleep or relax.
• The cause behind drug menace is the drug cartels, crime syndicates and ultimately the ISI which is the biggest supplier of drugs.
• The African as well as the Southasian route being misused to bring drugs into the country.

Impact of Drug Abuse

• Drug abuse leads to physical, psychological, moral and intellectual decay. This means wastage of economic potential of young generation.
• Drug addiction causes immense human distress. Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, assault and impulsive murders increase with drug abuse.
• Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and can affect relationships with family and friends.
• Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult.
• Illegal production and distribution of drugs have spawned crime and violence worldwide.
• Increase in incidences of HIV, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis due to addiction adds the reservoir of infection in the community burdening the health care system further.
• Women in India face greater problems from drug abuse. The consequences include domestic violence and infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden.

International Efforts to fight Drug abuse

• The first International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed by the UN General Assembly on June 26, 1987. Since then, every year, this day marks the coherent and seamless global cooperation to achieve a drug-free society. So far, the UN has organized three international conventions in 1961, 1971 and 1988. The first one sought to eliminate the illicit production and non-medical use of opioids, cannabis and cocaine . The meeting held in 1971 extended the scope to the psychotropic medications or synthetic drugs (e.g., amphetamines, barbiturates and LSD). The third convention against illicit trafficking was targeted at the suppression of the illegal global market, and the restriction was also extended to the precursor chemicals .
• India is also signatory to the following International treaties and conventions:
• United Nations (UN) Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)
• UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971).
• UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988)
• UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) 2000

Efforts by India to reduce Drug abuse

As enshrined in its constitution ( Article 47 ) and being one of the signatories of the United Nation's International Conventions, India had the onus act to eliminate the use of illicit drugs, to develop measures to prevent drug use and to ensure availability of treatment for people with drug use disorders.

India has adopted the three-pronged strategies - supply, demand and harm reduction .

Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP)

• Following the 1971's UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, established an Expert Committee to look into the issue of drug and alcohol use in India.
• The Committee's report was submitted in 1977, and after approval from the Planning Commission, Drug De-addiction Programme (DDAP) was rolled out in 1985-1986.
• The primary aim of the DDAP was drug demand reduction .

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985

• 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 primary aim of the NDPS was 'to prevent and combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking', an apparent emphasis on the supply reduction.
• 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.
• 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.

National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse

• The consultative committee (an advisory committee formed by the NDPS Act), which was constituted in 1988, formulated a national-level policy to control drug abuse.
• The committee created a fund, National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse and involved a couple of other major stakeholders - the Ministry of Health (and Family Welfare) and the Ministry of Welfare (currently Social Justice and Empowerment).
• The Ministry of Health was entrusted with the job of prevention and treatment of drug dependence, whereas the Ministry of Welfare was assigned with the responsibility of the rehabilitation and social integration of people with drug dependence.
• The Ministry of Health established seven treatment centres during the first phase (in 1988).
• The aims of these centres were treatment, drafting of educational material and training of medical and paramedical staff to generate the future workforce to deal with the problem of drug abuse.

Other Policy and Schemes

• Over the last three decades, there has been a substantial expansion of services in all dimensions.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment published the draft policy of the drug demand reduction, the National Drug Demand Reduction Draft Policy in 2013 .
• To scale up the existing services, the Ministry has rolled out the 'Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and Social Defence Services .'
• The Ministry of Social Justice has also published its five-year plan, 'National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction' in 2018.
• The Mental Health Care Act (2017) has included alcohol and drug use disorders under its ambit . This measure is likely to increase the adherence to the human rights, to ensure non-discrimination, the respect to the right to autonomy and confidentiality, to increase the availability and access to the minimum standard of care and rehabilitation for people with substance use disorders.

Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign

• This campaign launched this year in 2020, is run for 272 Most Affected Districts’ by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with focus on institutional support, community outreach and awareness generation.
• It focuses on a three-pronged strategy combining-
• Efforts of Narcotics Bureau,
• Outreach/Awareness by Social Justice and
• Treatment through the Health Dept.
• These districts are identified based on inputs from Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and findings of Comprehensive National Survey done by Ministry.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in 272 districts is from 15th August 2020 to 31st March 2021.
• Abhiyaan Action Plan has the following components:-
• Awareness generation programmes in the community and Youth in particular
• Focus on Higher Educational institutions, University Campuses and Schools
• Community outreach and identification of dependent population
• Focus on Treatment facilities in Hospital settings
• Capacity Building Programmes for Service Providers.

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated and is implementing a National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2025 .
• The Plan aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy.
• The activities under the NAPDDR, inter-alia, include awareness generation programmes in schools/colleges/Universities, workshops/seminars/ with parents, community based peer led interactions intervention programmes for vulnerable adolescent and youth in the community, provisioning of treatment facilities and capacity building of service providers.
• The Ministry has also initiated focused intervention programmes in vulnerable districts across the country with an aim to increase community participation and public cooperation in the reduction of demand for dependence-producing substances and promote collective initiatives and self-help endeavour among individuals and groups vulnerable to addiction or found at risk.

Way Forward

• Considering the enormous challenge of substance use disorders in the country, there is an urgent need of policies and programmes which can bring relief to the large number of affected Indian citizens.
• Scientific evidence-based treatment needs to be made available for people with Substance use disorders.
• A coordinated, multi-stakeholder response will be necessary to scale-up treatment programmes in the country.
• Evidence-based substance use prevention programmes are needed to protect the young people.
• A conducive legal and policy environment is needed to help control drug problems.
• Harm reduction needs to be embraced widely as a philosophy to deal with substance use.
• Prevention of drug abuse and its health and psychosocial impact should be made part of the curriculum from the upper primary level.
• Revival of school clubs for early identification of drug users and expert intervention and setting up of suggestion box in schools.
• Awareness building and educating people about ill effects of drug abuse.
• Community based intervention for motivational counselling, identification, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
• Training of volunteer/service providers and other stakeholders with a view to build up a committed and skilled cadre.
• Undertake drug demand reduction efforts to address all forms of drug abuse including dependence related to the consumption of two or more substances at the same time.
• Drug menace is the manifestation of deep-rooted distortions in the socio-cultural, economic and political system. Being systemic and multi-dimensional, its solution shall have to be systemic and multi-pronged.
• It is emphasized the need of preventive, punitive and curative measures to tackle the menace.
• There is an urgent need to understand the complexity of the problem having far-reaching social, economic and political implications.
• There is a need to address all these factors responsible for drug menace in the region as punitive measures alone cannot uproot this menace.

Competition Commission of India (CCI)

Competition Commission of India has selected Ansuman Pattnaik as the new head of its investigation’s unit recently. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It was established in 2003, but became fully functional in 2009. The CCI aims to establish a

Connected Lending (CL)

RBI’s move to consolidate the scattered laws on connected lending is welcome. CL refers to persons who are in the position to control the decision of the lender. CL is the extension of credit to individuals or firms connected through ownership or the ability to exert control, whether direct or indirect. CL refers to cases where the

Cosmic Distances

No human probe has travelled much beyond the Solar System, yet we are able to measure distances across billions of light-years. The space beyond Earth is so incredibly vast that units of measure, which are convenient in everyday lives, can become gigantic. Distances between the planets, and especially between the stars, become so big when e

Devil Comet

Mount Everest-sized Devil comet hurtling in Earth’s direction could explode today. Pons-Brooks Comet - Comet 13P/Pons-Brooks, also called the Devil Comet, is about the size of Mount Everest and it is hurtling towards Earth. After an outburst in July, scientists believe that the comet could explode once again today. Ice volcanoe

Kakad Bhairav or Bhilat Baba BHILS

A stone deity worshipped by the Bhils in Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh was recently proved to be a fossilized dinosaur egg. Just like their ancestors worshipped ancient stones as deities, generations of Bhils had worshipped this sunbaked, reddish-brown Kakad Bhairav or Bhilat Baba. Sacrifices of chickens and sheep marked their whispered pleas

01 Feb,2024

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Parliamentary panel findings on Drug abuse in India

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  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.

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:

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

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HIV and Drug Abuse in India | UPSC Mains Essay Preparation PDF Download

Introduction.

• Opening Quote/Phrase: A thought-provoking statement or quote related to the topic.
• Definition and Brief Overview: Define HIV and Drug Abuse, highlighting their relevance in the Indian context.
• Historical Context: Brief history of HIV and Drug Abuse in India.
• Thesis Statement: Declare the intent of the essay, emphasizing the need to address these issues.
• Prevalence and Statistics: Current situation and trends in HIV infection rates.
• Government Initiatives : Role of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and other government programs.
• Challenges and Issues: Stigma, discrimination, and lack of awareness.
• Current Scenario: Extent of drug abuse, most common drugs, affected demographics.
• Impact on Society: Effects on health, crime, social dynamics.
• Government and NGO Efforts: Policies, laws, rehabilitation programs.
• Linkages: How drug abuse contributes to the spread of HIV.
• Case Studies:  Examples from Indian society illustrating the connection.
• Role of Society: Stigma, discrimination, and societal attitudes.
• Cultural Barriers: Traditional beliefs, gender roles, and their impact on HIV and drug abuse management.
• Preventive Strategies: Awareness campaigns, education, and health services.
• Policy Recommendations: Suggestions for effective policy measures.
• Community Involvement: Role of NGOs, community leaders, and civil society.
• Summarization:  Recap the main points discussed, reinforcing the gravity of the issues.
• Future Outlook:  Vision for the future in tackling these issues.
• Concluding Quote/Phrase: An inspiring or hopeful quote to end on a positive note.

Sample Essay

The following essay serves as a sample for the given topic. Students can add their own ideas and points as well.

"In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage, understanding and love." - Amit Ray

The relentless battle against HIV and Drug Abuse in India is a testament to the nation's resilience and commitment to public health. HIV, the virus causing AIDS, was first identified in India in 1986, marking the beginning of a long journey of combating this global health menace. Parallelly, drug abuse has emerged as a formidable challenge, intertwining dangerously with HIV, further complicating the public health scenario.

The prevalence of HIV in India is a reflection of various socio-economic and cultural dynamics. According to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the fight against HIV/AIDS has been a priority, with numerous programs aimed at reducing new infections and providing comprehensive care and support to those affected. Despite these efforts, challenges such as social stigma, discrimination, and lack of awareness persist, hindering effective management and treatment.

Drug abuse in India presents a complex picture. From cannabis to heroin, the spectrum of substance abuse reflects not just a health crisis but a social and economic dilemma. The repercussions of drug abuse are profound, affecting the fabric of society through increased health burdens, heightened crime rates, and disruption of social harmony. The government's response, while robust in legislation and enforcement, often struggles in the realms of rehabilitation and prevention.

The nexus between HIV and drug abuse is particularly concerning. Intravenous drug use remains one of the significant routes for HIV transmission, a fact that is especially evident in the northeastern states of India. Case studies from regions like Manipur and Nagaland illustrate the grim reality where drug abuse directly contributes to the spread of HIV, creating a dual challenge for health authorities.

Addressing these issues requires a multidimensional approach. Societal and cultural barriers such as stigma, traditional beliefs, and gender biases play a pivotal role in hindering effective management of HIV and drug abuse. In many instances, women and marginalized communities bear the brunt of these challenges, facing higher risks and lesser access to healthcare and support systems.

The path forward lies in a combination of preventive and curative strategies. Public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and accessible health services are crucial in preventing the spread of HIV and curtailing drug abuse. Policy recommendations include strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the legal framework against drug trafficking, and fostering community-based rehabilitation programs. The role of NGOs and community leaders is indispensable in reaching out to the grassroots level, ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and widely accessible.

In conclusion, the fight against HIV and Drug Abuse in India is a journey of courage, compassion, and continuous learning. The future holds promise, with collective efforts from the government, civil society, and communities converging towards a healthier, more informed, and empathetic society. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "The future depends on what we do in the present." This aphorism serves as a guiding light in India's endeavor to overcome the dual challenges of HIV and Drug Abuse, forging a path towards a resilient and healthy nation.

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• CURRENT AFFAIRS
• DRUG MENACE - WORLDWIDE & INDIA

MONTH/YEARWISE ARCHIVES

Drug Menace - Worldwide & India

What is Drug Abuse?

• World Health Organisation defines Drug Abuse as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
• Addiction is an advanced stage of substance abuse where the addict develops a compulsion to take the drug, persists in its use despite harmful consequences and exhibits a determination to obtain the drug by almost any means.
• Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome - a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena, which are marked by social withdrawal.
• Symptoms of addiction include loss of appetite and weight, loss of interest in day to day work, sweating, reddening of eyes, nausea or vomiting and body pain, drowsiness or sleeplessness and passivity, acute anxiety, depression, mood swings among others.

What are the implications of Drugs for a society?

• Drug abuse is one of the most serious health problems faced by the world today which not only destroys the person involved, but his entire family, the society and the nation at large & spawns antisocial behaviour such as stealing, crime and violence.
• Drug abuse adversely affects the economic growth of a country by generating un-accounted money in large quantity that are also often used to fund terror and anti national activities and therefore posing a serious threat to the national security too.
• In 1987 the United Nations decided to observe June 26 th as ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking’, to sensitize the people in general and the youth in particular, to the menace of drugs.
• About 230 million people across the globe use an illegal drug at least once a year and about 27 million people use drugs in a manner that exposes them to very severe health problems.
• The U.N. estimates that illicit drug use causes over 2 lakh deaths globally, most of them being in their mid 30’s.
• Thus, illicit drug use is largely a youth phenomenon in today’s world which increases during the adolescence and reaches its peak among persons aged 18-25.

How does India’s Drug Abuse landscape look?

• According to a survey by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, India has more than 70 million drug addicts.
• Different drugs are prevalent in different states of the country accounting for 1.62% of the world’s seizures of illegal drugs.
• Our country records about 10 suicides daily due to drug or alcohol addiction and there were 3,647 such suicide cases in the country in 2014 with Maharashtra reported the highest such cases, followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Proximity to the largest producers of heroin - the Golden Triangle (Southeast Asia) and Golden Crescent (Afghanistan - Pakistan & Iran) is one of the main reasons for drug trafficking in India. Additionally, Nepal is a also a traditional source of cannabis.
• India is both a destination and a transit route for drug traffickers in these regions.
• As a consequence of cross border smuggling, India has been affected with narco-terrorism.

What are the government’s  initiatives against drug abuse?

• Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy of the Constitution of India directs state to improve public health & endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drinks & drugs which are injurious to health.
• India is also a party to the three United Nations drug conventions - Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971), Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988).
• To tackle the problem of illegal drugs, the Parliament passed ‘Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act’ of 1985 as a comprehensive legislation on narcotics, providing for stringent and long term prison sentences and heavy fines for offenders.
• Similarly, the parliament also passed the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
• Government has adopted a multi pronged strategy to deal with drugs control by establishing enforcement agencies like Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB), Narcotics Control Division, Department of Central excise & customs, revenue intelligence & para-military and armed forces.
• It has also constituted a joint committee to curb the menace of drug smuggling into India  along international borders, which comprises four central ministries - Home Affairs, Health, Finance and Social Justice & Empowerment.

What is the role of ‘Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’?

• It is the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction that coordinates and monitors all aspects of drug abuse prevention which include assessment of the extent of the problem, preventive action, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.
• It has the responsibility of creating awareness, educating people about the ill effects of drug abuse, its identification and rehabilitation.
• It supports activities of non-governmental organisations, working in the areas of prevention of addiction and rehabilitation of addicts and also funds Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), etc.
• The Ministry has been implementing the Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse since 1985, which stresses on developing culture-specific models for the prevention of addiction and treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.
• Presently, about 350 to 400 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) are functioning with the support of the Ministry.
• National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention has been set up for capacity building and training of NGOs running De-addiction centres.

What does the comprehensive drug survey of 2004 say?

• While the next survey is expected to be out in 2018, in 2004, the Ministry and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime jointly released the National Survey on the Extent, Pattern and Trends of Drug Abuse in India.
• Major highlights of the survey were - Alcohol, cannabis and opiates are the major substances of abuse in India & the hazards and burden on women due to drug abuse is significant.
• Prevalence of drug abuse among males the general population is significant while it does among women too.
• Number of dependent users ‘not in treatment’ is significant & drug abuse as an exclusively urban phenomenon is a myth.
• Major recommendations by the study were - Attracting drug users to treatment, scaling up peer-led interventions & community based services.
• Developing programmes for vulnerable groups like youth, street children, women, prisons, etc.
• Enhancing skills of care providers. Improve service delivery.
• Funding for evidence-based interventions.

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Drug trafficking in India: emerging challenges – Explained, pointwise

• 1 Introduction
• 2 About the status of Drug trafficking in India
• 3 What are the reasons behind Drug trafficking in India?
• 4 What are the various initiatives undertaken to regulate Drug trafficking in India?
• 5 What are the challenges in regulating Drug trafficking in India?   
• 6 What is should be done?

Introduction

Drug trafficking in India is a serious issue that poses challenges to the social, economic, and political fabric of the country. The illegal trade of drugs has been a persistent problem, and it continues to evolve and become more sophisticated with new technologies and methods.

The emergence of darknet markets and increased use of maritime routes has posed new challenges in the fight against drug trafficking in India. It is important to address these emerging challenges with innovative solutions to ensure the well-being and safety of society.  

About the status of Drug trafficking in India

According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)’s latest annual report, drug trafficking through sea routes in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal accounts for around 70% of the total illegal drugs smuggled into India. The use of maritime routes by international drug syndicates based in Pakistan and Afghanistan is expected to increase.   

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s World Drug Report 2022 revealed that India is one of the world’s largest opiate markets in terms of users and is vulnerable to increased supply from Afghanistan . Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are leading in India’s epidemic of opioid users, while Gujarat is now the third worst state in terms of drug overdose deaths.   

A survey report by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) in 2019 showed that drug consumption in India has increased compared to the survey report in 2004.   

Over 60% of the darknet is being used for illegal drug trade due to its anonymity and low risks. The use of cryptocurrency payments and courier services for doorstep delivery has made darknet transactions more appealing than traditional drug markets.  

What are the reasons behind Drug trafficking in India?

There are several reasons behind drug trafficking in India, some of which are:   

Geographical location: India’s location between the “Golden Crescent” and “Golden Triangle ” regions, which are major drug-producing areas, makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking.   

Example: Drugs like heroin, opium, and hashish are produced in the Golden Crescent, which includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, and are smuggled into India through the northwest border.   

Porous borders: India shares borders with several countries that are known for drug production and trafficking, and these borders are often poorly guarded and easily penetrated by smugglers.   

For instance, the North-East States that share borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China, and Bhutan are the hot-spots for drug smuggling.  

High demand: India has a large population, and there is a high demand for drugs, both for recreational and medicinal purposes.   

For example, drugs like marijuana and cocaine are in high demand in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi.  

Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness among people about the dangers of drug abuse, and many people do not know how to identify drug abuse or how to get help.   

Example: Young people who are not educated about the risks of drug abuse are particularly vulnerable to falling prey to drug traffickers.   

Corruption: Corruption among law enforcement agencies and government officials allows drug traffickers to operate with impunity.   

Example: Some drug traffickers are able to bribe officials at border crossings to allow them to smuggle drugs into the country without being caught.   

What are the various initiatives undertaken to regulate Drug trafficking in India?

Domestic initiatives :

National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) : It was introduced in 1985 to regulate drug trafficking and the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.   

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): It is the nodal agency for drug law enforcement in India. It was established in 1986 to coordinate drug law enforcement efforts across the country.   

National Narcotics Coordination Portal: The multiplicity of stakeholders in Drug Law Enforcement has necessitated coordination between various agencies on real time basis.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a four tier coordination mechanism for increasing coordination amongst the nationwide stakeholders from grass root level to apex level and effectively combating the menace of drugs. The Apex NCORD, Executive NCORD, State NCORD and District CORD are four pillars of mechanism.   

Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs): The MoSJE provides financial assistance to NGOs and voluntary organizations for the maintenance of Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs). These centers offer comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals with substance abuse disorders.   

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR): The MoSJE launched the NAPDDR for 2018-2025. The Plan aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy.

The activities under the NAPDDR, inter-alia, include awareness generation programmes in schools/colleges/ Universities, workshops/seminars/ with parents, community based peer led interactions intervention programmes for vulnerable adolescent and youth in the community, provisioning of treatment facilities and capacity building of service providers.  

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan/Drugs-Free India Campaign : It was flagged off on 15th August 2020 (Independence Day) for 272 districts across 32 State/Union Territories that have been identified as the most vulnerable in terms of usage of drugs in the country. It is operational with the involvement of more than 500 voluntary organizations across the country, which are assisted financially under the NAPDDR scheme.   

International collaborations and treaties:  

Bilateral Agreements and Conventions: India has signed several bilateral agreements and conventions with other countries to regulate drug trafficking, including 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.   

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs): India has signed various MLATs with other countries to cooperate in the investigation, prosecution, and extradition of drug traffickers. These MLATs provide a legal framework for the sharing of information and evidence between the signatory countries.   

Participation in international organizations: India is a member of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), which work to coordinate international efforts to prevent drug trafficking.   

Joint Operations and Information Sharing : India cooperates with other countries through joint operations and sharing of intelligence to prevent drug trafficking.   

For example, The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in conjunction with the intelligence agencies, has been making big seizures frequently. ICG has developed a good synergy not only with the security agencies but also with the coast guards of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh.   

What are the challenges in regulating Drug trafficking in India?    

Technological Advancements: Drug traffickers are increasingly using technology to evade law enforcement agencies. For instance, they use the darknet to sell drugs, untraceable internet-based technology for drug-related communications, and drones to transport drugs from across the border.  

Insufficient Law Enforcement Apparatus : Despite efforts to improve law enforcement, there is a perceived lack of coordination among different agencies. This has led to the failure to effectively tackle drug trafficking and abuse.   

Lack of Social Awareness: Drug abuse and addiction are often stigmatized in Indian society, which hinders efforts to create awareness and promote prevention measures.   

Inadequate Rehabilitation Facilities: There is a need to develop more rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts in India. The available facilities are often insufficient to cater to the needs of the large number of people struggling with addiction.   

Political Interference: Political interference often hampers the work of law enforcement agencies and hinders their ability to tackle drug trafficking effectively.   

What is should be done?

Strengthening law enforcement: The government should take measures to strengthen the law enforcement agencies involved in drug control, including Customs, the Narcotics Control Bureau, and state police forces. This can include providing them with better training, technology, and resources.   

Creating public awareness: The government can create public awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of preventing drug trafficking.   

Tackling drug addiction: The government can provide more support for drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, including setting up more treatment centres and providing more funding for existing ones.  

Increasing international cooperation: The government can work with other countries to increase international cooperation and sharing of information and intelligence on drug trafficking networks.   

Addressing socio-economic issues: Socio-economic factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education can contribute to drug abuse and trafficking. Therefore, the government can address these issues through poverty reduction measures, employment generation schemes, and increasing access to education.   

Strengthening laws and regulations: The government can strengthen laws and regulations related to drug trafficking and impose stricter penalties for offenders.   

Reducing demand: Reducing demand for drugs can be done through community-based prevention programs, education, and awareness campaigns.   

Improving border control: The government can improve border control by increasing surveillance, using advanced technology and equipment, and strengthening border security forces.   

By taking a multi-faceted approach, India can overcome the issue of drug trafficking and make progress towards a drug-free society.  

Sources : Indian Express ( Article 1 and Article 2 ), The Wire , The Hindu , AIR , Hindustan Times and The Hindu Businessline

Syllabus : GS – 3: Security Issues – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

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