Vice-President Highlights Drug Abuse Threat to India's Demographic Dividend
VP stresses drug-free youth for developed India, launches 'Nasha Mukt' app.
Photo by Jonathan Gonzalez
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan addressed substance abuse as a serious social challenge, emphasizing that a developed and self-reliant India requires a healthy, drug-free youth. Speaking at a Delhi University event, he launched a mobile application under the ‘Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan’ to ensure a drug-free campus.
He highlighted the adverse effects of drug abuse on physical and mental health, academic performance, family harmony, productivity, and national security, including its links with narco-terrorism. The V-P also lauded former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to combat international drug networks.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan warned against drug addiction, and Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh mentioned the launch of national helpline services for quitting tobacco.
Key Facts
VP launched: 'Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan' app
Addiction impacts: Health, performance, security
DU launched: Tobacco quitting helpline
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Social Justice - Issues relating to health, drug abuse
GS Paper III: Security - Linkages between drug trafficking and organized crime
Potential question types: Analytical, evaluative, problem-solving
Visual Insights
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Focus Areas
Map highlighting states and districts with intensive NMBA activities. Red indicates areas with high drug abuse prevalence, requiring focused intervention.
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More Information
Background
The problem of drug abuse in India has historical roots, with evidence suggesting the use of substances like opium and cannabis dating back centuries. During the British colonial era, the opium trade, particularly with China, significantly impacted the Indian economy and social fabric. Post-independence, the focus shifted to addressing the issue through legislation and international cooperation.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 was a landmark legislation aimed at controlling and regulating narcotic substances. Over time, the nature of drug abuse has evolved, with synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances posing emerging challenges. The Golden Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) have historically been major sources of illicit drugs entering India.
Latest Developments
In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in drug trafficking through maritime routes and online platforms, posing new challenges to law enforcement agencies. The Darknet has emerged as a significant marketplace for illicit drugs, making it difficult to track and control transactions. The government has launched various initiatives, including the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan' (Drug-Free India Campaign), to raise awareness and promote rehabilitation.
Increased collaboration with international agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is also underway to combat transnational drug trafficking. The focus is shifting towards preventive measures, early intervention, and community-based rehabilitation programs. The use of technology, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, is being explored to identify drug trafficking networks and predict emerging trends.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan': 1. It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 2. The Abhiyaan focuses on awareness generation and community outreach. 3. It aims to achieve a 'drug-free India' by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 3 is incorrect. There is no specified target year for achieving a 'drug-free India' under the Abhiyaan, although the aim is to minimize drug use as much as possible.
2. Which of the following international organizations is NOT directly involved in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse?
- A.United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- B.International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
- C.World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
- D.Interpol
Show Answer
Answer: C
WADA is primarily focused on combating doping in sports, not drug trafficking or substance abuse in general.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: 1. It prohibits the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, consumption, and import/export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. 2. It provides for stringent penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations. 3. The Act allows for the cultivation of opium poppy for medicinal purposes under license. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct regarding the NDPS Act, 1985.
4. Assertion (A): Drug abuse poses a significant threat to India's demographic dividend. Reason (R): It leads to a decline in productivity, increased healthcare costs, and social instability. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- 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
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why drug abuse threatens India's demographic dividend.
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