India approves revision of Scheme for prevention of drug abuse
Indian Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has announced that the Government has approved revision of the Scheme for prevention of drug abuse. The key features of the new Scheme are provision of grant for food for BPL addicts; Integrated Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts; flexibility regarding number of Beds and duration of stay of addicts in the centres; RRTCs as an integral component of the Scheme; Panchayati Raj institutions as eligible bodies for running centres; greater emphasis on awareness, preventive education and Media campaign; and enhanced financial support to the centres. Minister was addressing a gathering in a function to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, here today. Minister said that the most effective way to eradicate drugs from the earth would be to create a grand alliance of the government, the civil society, the corporate houses and the media.
Minister also Informed that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has taken many steps to strengthen campaign against the drug abuse. It is implementing a scheme for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. NGOs and Community Based Organisations are supported under this scheme to run Counseling and Treatment cum Rehabilitation Centres. During 2007-08, we provided grant to set up 24 new centers in addition to the existing ones, to expand our coverage in un served areas. The total number of Treatment cum Rehabilitation Centers thus reached the new high of 401. In addition 41 exclusive Counseling Centres were also supported.
Minister further said National Institute of Social Defence, (NISD), through its National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention is the nodal body of the Ministry to undertake training and capacity building in this regard. There are eight Regional Resource and Training Centre (RRTCs) to implement and support such activities. RRTCs have been set up with a view to provide training in local language and cultural settings. Minister also called the younger generation to stay away from drugs and join hands to build a healthy and drug free nation.
Releasing the special postal cover Minister of Communication and IT, said that it was an expression of determination to strengthen action and co-operation achieve a nation free from drug abuse and urged people to join hands in the campaign against drug abuse.
