PREVENTION OF ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE (DRUGS) ABUSE

1. INTRODUCTION
 

Alcohol and drug abuse has emerged as a serious concern in India. The geographical location of the country further makes it highly vulnerable to the problem of drug abuse.

In a national survey conducted in 2001-2002, it was estimated that about 73.2 million persons were user of alcohol and drugs. Of these 8.7, 2.0 and 62.5 million were users of Cannabis, Opium and Alcohol respectively. About 26%, 22% and 17% of the users of the three types respectively were found to be dependent on/addicted to them.

Article 47 of the Constitution provides that "The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, 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."

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, was enacted, inter alia, to curb drug abuse. Within the purview of the Act, "Narcotic Drug" means "coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium, poppy straw and includes all manufactured goods", whereas "Psychotropic substance" means "any substance, natural or synthetic, or any natural material or any salt or preparation of such substance or material included in the list of psychotropic substances specified in the Schedule". Section 71 of the Act (Power of Government to establish centres for identification, treatment, etc of addicts and for supply of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances) contains provisions for setting up of rehabilitation and treatment centres for addicts.

India is a signatory to three United Nations Conventions, namely: (i) Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961; (ii) Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; and (iii) Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.

Thus, India also has an international obligation to, inter alia, curb drug abuse. The United Nations General Assembly, in its 20^th Special Session in 1998, has accepted demand reduction as an indispensable pillar of drug control strategies. The demand reduction strategy consists of education, treatment, rehabilitation and social integration of drug addicts for prevention of drug abuse.

For the purpose of drug demand reduction, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has been implementing the Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse since 1985-86. The Scheme was revised twice in 1994 and 1999, and at present provides financial support to NGOs and employers mainly for the following items:

1. Awareness and Preventive Education
2. Drug Awareness and Counseling Centers (CC)
3. Treatment- Cum- Rehabilitation Centers (TC)
4. Workplace Prevention Programme (WPP)
5. De-addiction Camps (ACDC)
6. NGO forum for Drug Abuse Prevention
7. Innovative Interventions to strengthen community based rehabilitation
8. Technical Exchange and Manpower development programme
9. Surveys, Studies, Evaluation and Research on the subjects covered under the scheme.

An Integrated Programme for Older Persons

1. INTRODUCTION

There has been a steady rise in the population of older persons in India. The number of elder persons has increased from 19.8 million in 1951 to 76 million in 2001 and the projections indicate that the number of 60+ in India will increase to 100 million in 2013 and to 198 million in 2030. The life expectancy, which was around 29 years in 1947, has increased manifold and now stands close to 63 years.

The traditional norms and values of the Indian society laid stress on showing respect and providing care for the aged. However, in recent times, society is witnessing a gradual but definite withering of the joint family system, as a result of which a large number of parents are being neglected by their families exposing to lack of emotional, physical and financial support. These older persons are facing a lot of problems in the absence of adequate social security. This clearly reveals that ageing has become a major social challenge and there is a need to provide for the economic and health needs of the elderly and to create a social milieu, which is conducive and sensitive to emotional needs of the elderly.

2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the Scheme is to improve the quality of life of the Older Persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support for capacity building of Government / Non-Governmental Organizations / Panchayati Raj Institutions / local bodies and the Community at large.

3. APPROACH

Assistance under the scheme will be given to the Panchayati Raj Institutions / local bodies and eligible Non-Governmental Voluntary Organizations for the following purposes:-

(i) Programmes catering to the basic needs of Older Persons particularly food, shelter and health care to the destitute elderly;

(ii) Programmes to build and strengthen intergenerational relationships particularly between children / youth and Older Persons;

(iii) Programmes for encouraging Active and Productive Ageing;

(iv) Programmes for proving Institutional as well as Non Institutional Care / Services to Older Persons;

(v) Research, Advocacy and Awareness building programmes in the field of Ageing; and

(vi) Any other programmes in the best interests of Older Persons.