Brief Context
Context The Kashi Declaration, outlining a five-year roadmap for a drug-free India was signed during the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi. Kashi Declaration The Kashi Declaration affirms a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge, and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It emphasises the integration of spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction, support recovery, and fost
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Syllabus: GS3/ Internal Security
Context
- The Kashi Declaration, outlining a five-year roadmap for a drug-free India was signed during the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi.
Kashi Declaration
- The Kashi Declaration affirms a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge, and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
- It emphasises the integration of spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction, support recovery, and foster a national culture of sobriety.
- It proposes institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting, and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services.
Menace of Drug Abuse in India
- According to a 2019 report by AIIMS and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment;
- Over 16 crore Indians consume alcohol, with 5.7 crore requiring medical help.
- More than 2.3 crore people use cannabis and opioids.
- About 1.08% of 10-75 year old Indians (approximately 1.18 crore people) use sedatives (non-medical, non-prescription use).
- Inhalants are a concern, particularly among children and adolescents, with a higher prevalence of use (1.17%) compared to adults (0.58%).
Reasons for drug menace in India
- Geographical location: India lies close to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, major global drug-producing regions.
- Easy cross-border smuggling in states like Punjab, Manipur, and Assam enables drug inflow.
- Youth vulnerability: Peer pressure, stress, unemployment, and curiosity make youth susceptible to drug use.
- Weak enforcement: Inadequate surveillance, corruption, and overburdened agencies hinder effective control.
- Easy availability: Online platforms, local peddlers, and pharmacies make drugs more accessible.
- Social disintegration: Broken families, isolation, and lack of community support increase addiction risks.
Impact of Drug Abuse
- Economic Impact: Drug abuse lowers productivity, increases healthcare costs, and weakens human capital.
- Health Impact: It causes mental disorders, spreads HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, and leads to physical deterioration.
- Social Impact: It disrupts families, fuels domestic violence, and results in social isolation and stigma.
- National Security Impact: Drug trade fosters narco-terrorism, organised crime, and youth involvement weakens national integrity.
Steps Taken
- Indian Initiatives:
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act): It prohibits the production, possession, sale, and consumption of illicit drugs and prescribes penalties for violations.
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Launched in 2020, this campaign aims to create awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse and promote a drug-free India.
- Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): Many states have established ANTFs to strengthen drug law enforcement at the state level.
- DarkNet Monitoring Cell under Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) tracks online drug sales.
- Global Initiatives:
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): The UNODC is at the forefront of the global fight against illicit drugs. The UNODC-led campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
- International Narcotics Control Board (INCB): The INCB monitors the global drug situation and assesses countries’ compliance with international drug control treaties.
Concluding remarks
- The growing drug menace in India poses a grave threat to public health, societal well-being, and national security.
- However, sustained success will require coordinated efforts across government, civil society, and communities, with a strong emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment to build a truly Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Source: PIB