Chhattisgarh to Formulate Anti-Drug Strategy: Key Steps for UPSC & PCS

13 Oct Chhattisgarh to Formulate Anti-Drug Strategy: Key Steps for UPSC & PCS

✎ The ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ is a five-year, multi-stakeholder programme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, leveraging the NDPS Act for enforcement.

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper II — Governance, Transparency and Accountability  |  GS Paper III — Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
• Prelims: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, National Coordination Committee on Drug Abuse (NCCDA), NDPS Act, 1985, MANSAS Portal, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), State Drug Control Authorities
• Essay: Public health as a determinant of national security, The role of inter-departmental coordination in achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Quick Revision: The ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ is a five-year, multi-stakeholder programme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, leveraging the NDPS Act for enforcement.

Why is this in the news?

The state-level coordination committee on drug abuse in Chhattisgarh, led by the Chief Secretary, convened a high-level meeting to formulate a state-specific roadmap under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’. The meeting underscored the need for cross-departmental synergy, stricter enforcement at inter-state borders, and the integration of de-addiction and awareness campaigns in educational institutions, reflecting a governance-driven approach to substance abuse control.

Background

• Substance abuse remains a critical public health and law-and-order challenge in India, with the national survey (AIIMS/NDDTC, 2019) estimating about 2.8% of the population using cannabis and about 2.1% using opioids.
• The Government of India launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ (NMBA) in 2020 as a comprehensive, five-year programme to create a ‘drug-free India’ by 2025, focusing on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.
• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, provides the legal framework for controlling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, mandating stringent penalties for trafficking and regulating medical and industrial use.
• Chhattisgarh’s initiative aligns with the broader national strategy while addressing regional vulnerabilities, including porous borders with neighbouring states and socio-economic factors contributing to drug trafficking.

What is the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ and How Does It Operate?

• The ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ (NMBA) is a campaign launched on 15 August 2020 under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• The programme adopts a ‘4-pillar approach’: (1) Awareness generation, (2) Capacity building of stakeholders, (3) Treatment and rehabilitation, and (4) Enforcement and supply reduction.
• It operates through a decentralised structure, involving District Level Committees (DLCs).
• Key components include the establishment of ‘De-Addiction Centres’ in district hospitals, ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Kendras’ in educational institutions, and the deployment of ‘Community Outreach Workers’ for grassroots-level prevention.
• The campaign mandates regular ‘Prabhat Pheris’ (morning awareness walks), ‘Nasha Mukt Diwas’ (Drug-Free Day) observances, and integration of substance abuse education in school curricula under the ‘Health and Wellness’ ambit.
• The enforcement pillar is strengthened through the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), which conducts periodic raids, inter-state coordination, and intelligence-sharing to curb trafficking networks.
• The programme also emphasises gender-sensitive interventions, recognising the rising trend of substance abuse among women and the need for tailored rehabilitation services.

Key Features

Feature	Significance
State-level coordination mechanism (ENCORD)	Establishes a formal institutional framework for inter-departmental collaboration to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking under the Chief Secretary’s oversight.
Vision Document under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan	Provides a long-term strategic roadmap for de-addiction efforts, aligning state policies with national objectives.
District-level action plans	Ensures localised implementation of anti-drug measures, enabling tailored responses to regional challenges.
MANAS Portal integration	Facilitates real-time monitoring of public grievances and complaints related to narcotics, enhancing accountability.
Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) operations	Conducts targeted enforcement actions, including raids and awareness campaigns in educational institutions.

Why it Matters

Public Health

• Addresses the escalating burden of substance abuse on healthcare systems by promoting preventive and rehabilitative measures.
• Reduces morbidity and mortality linked to drug-related disorders, including mental health complications and infectious diseases.
• Enhances community well-being through structured de-addiction programmes and awareness drives.

Law and Order

• Strengthens border and inter-state vigilance to curb illicit drug trafficking, aligning with national security priorities.
• Improves coordination between police, excise, and customs departments to disrupt supply chains.
• Ensures stricter enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Governance and Policy

• Demonstrates a multi-sectoral approach to governance, integrating health, education, and law enforcement.
• Serves as a model for other states to replicate structured anti-drug strategies.
• Enhances transparency through the use of digital platforms (MANAS Portal) for grievance redressal.

Challenges

1. Inter-departmental Coordination Gaps

• Fragmented implementation across departments may lead to duplication of efforts or oversight in enforcement.
• Lack of standardised data-sharing protocols between agencies can hinder real-time monitoring.

UPSC Link: GS-II: Centre-State Relations

2. Resource Constraints

• Limited funding for de-addiction centres and rehabilitation facilities may restrict service delivery.
• Shortage of trained personnel in law enforcement and healthcare sectors exacerbates implementation challenges.

UPSC Link: GS-III: Government Budgets

3. Socio-Cultural Barriers

• Stigma associated with substance abuse discourages individuals from seeking treatment.
• Peer pressure and lack of awareness in educational institutions perpetuate drug use.

UPSC Link: GS-I: Social Issues

4. Border Security Vulnerabilities

• Porous inter-state borders facilitate the smuggling of narcotics, necessitating robust surveillance.
• Collusion between traffickers and local authorities undermines enforcement efforts.

UPSC Link: GS-III: Security Challenges

5. Legal and Judicial Delays

• Prolonged trials under the NDPS Act reduce the deterrent effect of penalties.
• Inadequate fast-track courts for narcotics-related cases delay justice.

UPSC Link: GS-II: Judiciary

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Issue	Concern
Data fragmentation	Absence of a unified database hinders evidence-based policymaking.
Rehabilitation infrastructure	Insufficient de-addiction centres and trained counsellors.
Awareness deficits	Low public awareness about drug abuse and its consequences.
Corruption in enforcement	Collusion between officials and traffickers compromises operations.
Judicial backlog	Delays in NDPS Act cases reduce deterrence.

Government Initiatives — Must-Memorise for Prelims

• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)

Way Forward

• Develop a state-specific action plan under the Vision Document, aligned with NMBA guidelines.
• Establish district-level task forces with clear mandates for enforcement, rehabilitation, and awareness.
• Strengthen inter-departmental data-sharing protocols to enable real-time monitoring via the MANAS Portal.
• Expand de-addiction infrastructure by partnering with NGOs and private healthcare providers.
• Conduct periodic training programmes for law enforcement, healthcare workers, and educators on substance abuse prevention.
• Launch targeted awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and vulnerable communities.
• Enhance border surveillance through technological solutions (e.g., drones, AI-based monitoring).
• Fast-track NDPS Act cases by designating special courts and expediting judicial processes.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Coordination Committee on Drug Demand Reduction (NCCDDR) in India:
1. It is chaired by the Union Home Secretary.
2. It functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
3. The committee is tasked with preparing a National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.
4. The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer: Only three — Statement 1 is incorrect: NCCDDR is chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Statement 2 is correct: NCCDDR functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Statement 3 is correct: NCCDDR prepares the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. Statement 4 is correct: The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Q2. Assertion (A): The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) provides for the establishment of a National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse.

Reason (R): The NDPS Act mandates the Central Government to constitute a fund to meet the expenditure incurred in connection with the measures taken for controlling the drug menace.

Choose the correct option:
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

Answer: A — Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and R correctly explains A. The NDPS Act, 1985, under Section 7A, mandates the Central Government to constitute a National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse to meet expenditure on drug control measures.

Q3. Match the following initiatives with their respective objectives:

Column I (Initiative) | Column II (Objective)
— | —
A. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan | 1. To provide a platform for reporting drug-related complaints and grievances
B. MANS Portal | 2. To create a drug-free society through community participation and awareness
C. NDPS Act, 1985 | 3. To regulate and control the cultivation, production, and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
D. National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 2012 | 4. To provide a comprehensive framework for drug demand reduction and supply control

Choose the correct match:
A. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C. A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
D. A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

Answer: A — A-2: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan aims to create a drug-free society through community participation and awareness. B-1: MANS Portal provides a platform for reporting drug-related complaints and grievances. C-3: NDPS Act, 1985 regulates and controls the cultivation, production, and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. D-4: National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 2012 provides a comprehensive framework for drug demand reduction and supply control.

Mains Practice Question

✍ The formulation of a comprehensive de-addiction strategy in Chhattisgarh, as directed by the State Coordination Committee (ENCORD), underscores the necessity for a multi-dimensional approach to address the menace of drug abuse in India. Critically examine the institutional and policy frameworks governing drug demand reduction in India, with particular reference to the role of inter-departmental coordination, legal provisions, and grassroots implementation mechanisms. Also, analyse the challenges in translating policy into practice at the state and district levels. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON:

1. **Institutional Frameworks**:
– National Coordination Committee on Drug Demand Reduction (NCCDDR): Composition, mandate, and functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
– State Nodal Agencies: Role of State Nodal Agencies for Drug Demand Reduction in coordinating efforts at the state level.
– District Level Committees: Functioning of District Level Drug Demand Reduction Committees as envisaged in the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 2012.

2. **Policy Frameworks**:
– National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 2012: Objectives, pillars (demand reduction, supply control, harm reduction), and implementation strategies.
– Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA): Launched in 2020, its objectives, components (awareness, education, treatment, rehabilitation), and progress.
– NDPS Act, 1985: Key provisions (Sections 8, 27, 35, 37), penalties, and challenges in enforcement.

3. **Legal Provisions and International Commitments**:
– UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988: India’s obligations and compliance.
– Provisions for rehabilitation and social reintegration under the NDPS Act and the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.

4. **Challenges in Implementation**:
– Inter-departmental Coordination: Issues in coordination between police, excise, health, education, and social welfare departments.
– Grassroots Implementation: Challenges in reaching marginalised communities, lack of awareness, and stigma associated with drug abuse.
– Resource Constraints: Inadequate funding, shortage of de-addiction centres, and trained personnel.
– Data Gaps: Lack of reliable data on drug abuse prevalence, which hampers evidence-based policymaking.

5. **Way Forward**:
– Strengthening of MANS Portal for real-time monitoring and grievance redressal.
– Community-based interventions: Role of NGOs, self-help groups, and local leaders in awareness and rehabilitation.
– Capacity Building: Training of frontline workers, police personnel, and healthcare professionals.
– Convergence with other schemes: Integration with Ayushman Bharat, PM-JAY, and other health and social welfare programmes.

6. **Conclusion**:
– Emphasise the need for a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to address drug abuse, balancing punitive measures with rehabilitation and social reintegration.

Source: amarujala.com

Chhattisgarh PCS (CGPSC) — State PCS Practice

Prelims: Which of the following is a key directive issued by the ‘Encore’ meeting in Chhattisgarh regarding the control of drug abuse?

1. A. Formation of a state-level task force to monitor drug trafficking
2. B. Preparation of a comprehensive roadmap to control drug abuse in Chhattisgarh
3. C. Immediate ban on all traditional liquor sales in tribal areas
4. D. Launch of a statewide awareness campaign solely through print media

Answer: B. Preparation of a comprehensive roadmap to control drug abuse in Chhattisgarh — The ‘Encore’ meeting in Chhattisgarh directed the preparation of a comprehensive roadmap to control drug abuse in the state.

Mains: Discuss the role of inter-departmental coordination in addressing the challenge of drug abuse in Chhattisgarh, as highlighted in the recent ‘Encore’ meeting. Suggest measures to strengthen this coordination for effective implementation of anti-drug strategies.

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