The article educates readers about India’s strategy to combat drug abuse. How negative impact of “dirty money” on the economy and called for states to work with the central government to combat the issue.
I. Introduction
Home Minister of India Amit Shah discussed the problem of drug abuse and the measures taken by the government to control it in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Shah emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and the connection between drug profits and funding for terrorism in India. He also highlighted the negative impact of “dirty money” on the economy and called for states to work with the central government to combat the issue.
Shah addressed the controversy surrounding the powers given to border guarding forces to register cases along international borders and warned that the government would take strong action against NGOs that do not comply with the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and seek to disrupt Indian society through foreign funding.
II. Mapping the Drug Network
Shah announced that the government has mapped the drug network in 472 districts and aims to imprison all major criminals involved in the drug trade within the next two years. He also reported that Rs.97,000 crore worth of drugs have been destroyed between 2014 and 2022, compared to the seizure of Rs. 23,000 crores of drugs between 2006 and 2013.
III. Seizure of Drugs in Gujarat
Shah also addressed the recent seizure of 3,000 kg of drugs in Gujarat and the efforts taken to trace the source of the drugs to Gulf countries and shut down the factories responsible. He also mentioned the use of scientific surveillance by customs and allied agencies in the seizure of drugs and the arrests of those involved in the smuggling.
IV. Controversy over Border Guarding Powers
Shah also addressed the controversy surrounding the powers given to border guarding forces to register cases along international borders and accused those making political issues of it as supporters of the drug trade.
V. Government Action Against NGOs
Shah also warned that the government would take strong action against NGOs that do not comply with the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and seek to disrupt Indian society through foreign funding.
VI. Key findings
These are the top three facts you need to know from the above story:
- The Indian government has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and is working to disrupt the drug network and prosecute those involved.
- The government is taking measures to prevent the use of drug profits to fund terrorism and is combating the negative impact of “dirty money” on the economy.
- The government recently seized drugs in Gujarat and is taking action against those involved in the smuggling, as well as shutting down factories responsible for the production of the drugs.
VII. What is Drug abuse?
Drug abuse refers to the use of illegal drugs or the improper use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, which can result in social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.
VIII. Adolescent Substance Abuse in India
A significant portion of individuals involved in drug and substance abuse in India are under the age of 20, indicating the need for increased efforts to prevent and intervene in substance abuse among adolescents in the country.
IX. Risk Factors for Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Children
Children may be at increased risk for drug and alcohol abuse due to poor mental and physical health caused by experiences of violence, exploitation, and sexual abuse. These negative experiences can negatively impact a child’s overall well-being and increase the likelihood of substance abuse. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse among children in India through the work of Programme Officer Billy Batware in November 2022. Batware recently spoke about the issue at the International Forum on ‘Children Matter-Right to a Drug-Free Childhood.’ This forum was likely focused on discussing ways to protect children’s rights to a drug-free childhood and addressing the issue of substance abuse among young people.
X. Conclusion
The union government is making a concerted effort to combat the issue of drug abuse and ensure a safer and healthier society for all citizens. The Indian government is taking a strong stance against the issue of drug abuse and is working to disrupt the drug network and prosecute those involved. The government is also taking measures to prevent the use of drug profits to fund terrorism and is working to combat the negative impact of “dirty money” on the economy.
Additionally, the government is taking action against those involved in the smuggling of drugs, including the recent seizure of drugs in Gujarat and the shutdown of factories responsible for the production of the drugs. The government is also addressing the controversy surrounding the powers given to border guarding forces and is taking action against NGOs that seek to disrupt Indian society through foreign funding.
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