HM reply on Drug Abuse problem | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• In response to the discussion under #Rule193, HM stated that India has a strict policy of not tolerating drug-related issues. He pointed out that profits from the drug trade are being used to support terrorism in India, which is gradually weakening the economy. 
• HM emphasized that people who consume drugs are victims and should be treated with sensitivity, and given the necessary support for rehabilitation. He called on all States and Union Territories to unite in the fight against this problem, and emphasized the need to prevent the entry of drugs through borders, ports, and airports. 
• HM also highlighted the importance of coordination between the Revenue Department, NCB, and other anti-narcotics agencies to tackle this issue.

Issues with the current approach of tackling Drug Menace

• The current approach to tackling the issue of drug abuse has several problems. Evidence indicates that punitive measures, even if severe, are not effective in reducing drug consumption. Additionally, prohibition and punishment can have disastrous consequences, such as making access to treatment more difficult due to the stigma and fear of police repression.
• Drug dependencies often go untreated, and prisoners typically have no access to necessary treatments such as needle exchange and opiate substitution, leading to the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. 
• In fact, many prisoners start using drugs while incarcerated and may overdose soon after their release. Therefore, prison is not an adequate solution for drug-related offenses, and a more humane and effective response is needed. 
• Many countries are now reconsidering their repressive strategies, as they have failed to limit the supply and use of drugs and have caused significant harm to individuals and societies. It is widely accepted that the "war on drugs" has failed and it is necessary to discuss new and viable alternatives. 
• Rather than relying on ineffective and counterproductive repressive measures, we need more efficient and humane policies.

Portugal Model of Drug Policy

• The drug policy adopted by Portugal is considered a positive change from the global approach to drugs. Portugal has reclassified the possession, purchase, and consumption of illicit drugs as administrative offenses rather than criminal ones.
• The country's drug policy is based on the concept of prevention and aims to reduce drug consumption by investing in harm reduction and social regulation. Portugal emphasizes dissuasion and prevention to achieve its goals.
• Decriminalization in Portugal has not led to an increase in drug use, but rather it has demonstrated that a humanitarian and pragmatic approach can reduce drug consumption, addiction, recidivism, and the spread of HIV. To be effective, preventive measures need to be implemented systematically and not as one-time actions.

Government’s work:

• The Indian Government has taken several measures to combat drug abuse. In 2016, it established the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) and revived the "Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control" scheme. The government also approved new Reward Guidelines in 2017, which offer a higher reward for interdiction or seizure of different illicit drugs.
• India has signed 37 Bilateral Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding for effective coordination with foreign countries. The Narcotics Control Bureau has been provided with funds to develop a new software called Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) that will create a complete online database of drug offenses and offenders. 
• To meet the costs of combating illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs, rehabilitating addicts, and educating the public against drug abuse, the government established the "National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse." The government is conducting the National Drug Abuse Survey in collaboration with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS to measure the trends of drug abuse in India.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has drafted the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2018-2023) to address the problem of drug and substance abuse in the country, replacing a long-pending draft policy on the matter.

Conclusion

The change of approach towards drug consumption was driven by the recognition of the importance of respecting human dignity, understanding the social circumstances and life choices of individuals, and upholding the constitutional right to health.