Chapter: Gist of Press Information Bureau Articles

Topic: National Policy On Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances

Q. Which article of Indian constitution discusses drug abuse?

India’s approach towards Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is enshrined in Article 47 of the Constitution of India which mandates that the ‘State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health’.

Q. What are the salient features of National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS Policy) ?

• India now has a National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS Policy).

• The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances shows the intent of the Government in tackling all problems pertaining to drugs while ensuring, at the same time, that their availability for legitimate medical and scientific purposes does not suffer.

• The NDPS Policy will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-assert India’s commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner.

• The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health and uplifting of the social milieu.

Q. What are the salient features of NDPS Policy?

• The policy recommends production of Concentrate of Poppy Straw (CPS) in India by a company or body corporate. This would enable India to retain its status of a traditional supplier of Opiate Raw Material (ORM) to the rest of world, while remaining competitive.

• On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation.

• The private sector may be allowed production of alkaloids from opium. At present alkaloids from opium are produced only in Government Opium and Alkaloid Factories (GOAFs).

• Non-intrusive methods of regulating the manufacture, trade and use of such psychotropic substances will be introduced.

• Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs, periodic surveys of drug abuse to gauge the extent, pattern and nature of drug abuse in the country, recognition of de-addiction centers.

• There will be a time bound plan of action, detailing the steps to be taken by different Ministries/Departments/ agencies, in response to the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board.

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