Why in news?
Department of Social Justice & Empowerment organised “Nashe se Azaadi” -National Youth and Students Interaction Program under NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
About NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyaan or Drugs-Free India Campaign:
- Launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 15 August 2020 in 272 districts of India.
- Aim: Creating an army of youth, women and community who are self-reliant and well informed about the ill effects of substance use.
- Focal Points of the Campaign: Preventive, mass education and sensitization, capacity building of service providers, positive partnership with educational institutions, and augmentation of treatment, rehabilitation and counselling facilities.
- The campaign uses innovative programmes like nukkadnataks, cycle rallies, competitions and wall paintings.
Also Read : RAMSAR Sites in India : UPSC Current Affairs Booster
Data on Drugs:
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According to the National Comprehensive Survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, there are more than 60 million drug users in the country.
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Large number of users are in the age group of 10-17 years.
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Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985 was passed with the intent of controlling drug abuse and prohibiting the use, distribution, manufacture, and trade of drugs.
Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle:
Drug production impacting Indian Ocean states takes place in two main regions:
- “Golden Crescent”: Illicit opium production areas in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan;
- “Golden Triangle”: Second largest opium production region in the world, covering Myanmar, Thailand and Laos.
World Drug Report 2022
Released by UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
India has been named the largest opiate (opium derivates medically used to treat pain, induce sleep, and as anti-analgesic) market worldwide.
Practice Mains Question
Discuss India’s role in curbing the drug menace. Also, highlight the challenges. (150 words)
Also Read : Updated Nationally Determined Contribution : Current Affairs for UPSC !
