Procedural safeguards and immunities under the NDPS Act
Recently, the Central Government is considering bringing a policy to avoid criminal prosecution for the consumption of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS).
The Center is mulling over a policy under which drug addicts and drug users will have to physically attend treatment centers to avoid criminal prosecution.
Currently, possession of any narcotic drugs under the NDPS Act, 1985 is punishable with a jail term of up to Rs 20,000 and/or a fine of Rs 20,000.
Drug use in India
In the year 2021 and 2022, the number of districts vulnerable to drug use was increased from 272 to 372.
Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Goa, Chandigarh, Puducherry and Tripura have 100% districts marked as sensitive.
The report titled “Magnitude of Substance Use in India 2019” was released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) regarding substance abuse.
According to this report, alcohol is the most commonly used drug (17.1% share) among adults. After this comes the place of cannabis, opium, sedatives etc.
Efforts made to control drug abuse
- Under the drug free India campaign, the network of 508 rehabilitation and de-addiction centers is being expanded.
- Tie-ups are being made with spiritual and faith-based organizations that have their own hospitals, educational institutions, counseling centers, etc.
- National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018-2025) has been launched.
NDPS Act, 1985
- It deals with narcotics and their trafficking. It authorizes the Central Government to take necessary measures for the identification, treatment, care and rehabilitation of drug addicts and preventive education for them.
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been constituted to coordinate all activities for administration and enforcement of the said Act.
Source – The Hindu
