Keralam’s anti-narcotics drive to join hands with Centre’s nationwide initiative: Chennithala

Why in News

Keralam announced that its Operation Toofan anti-narcotics drive would work with the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative.

Prelims Pointers

• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15 August 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• The campaign addresses drug-demand reduction through:

1. Awareness and prevention.

2. Community participation, particularly involving young people and educational institutions.

3. Access to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.

• NMBA initially covered 272 identified vulnerable districts and expanded to all districts from 15 August 2023.

• Supply reduction and demand reduction address different aspects of drug abuse.

1. Supply reduction targets illicit production, trafficking and distribution.

2. Demand reduction focuses on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinates drug-law enforcement.

• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. 

• Medical and scientific uses are permitted subject to prescribed legal controls.

Prelims Traps

• “The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.” This is incorrect. NMBA is led by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The NCB functions under the Home Ministry.

• “The NDPS Act prohibits every medical use of a controlled substance.” This is incorrect.Medical and scientific uses are permitted subject to legal controls.