Educational institutions must incorporate drug prevention programs in their curricula
Jayanta Debnath
January 10, 2025
Drug abuse and illicit drug trade pose one of the most severe challenges to India’s public health, social harmony, and national security. The issue is not only about individuals falling prey to substance abuse but also about the devastating ripple effects it creates across families, communities, and even state institutions. The judiciary, as well as the government, has emphasized the importance of addressing this crisis holistically to safeguard future generations and ensure the integrity of our society.
Legal Framework and Judicial Observations:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) serve as key legislative tools in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by drug trafficking. Recent judgments by the courts underline the gravity of these issues, especially when profits from drug trafficking are linked to organized crime, terrorism, and violence. Courts have upheld the need for stringent investigation and trials under special provisions to dismantle the networks that profit from this illicit trade.
The Growing Crisis of Drug Abuse in India:
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's 2019 Report on Substance Use in India revealed alarming statistics:
1. 2.26 crore people use opioids.
2. 77 lakh individuals are identified as “problem opioid users,” defined by harmful or dependent patterns of use.
3. Cannabis, opioids, and alcohol remain the most commonly abused substances, affecting all age groups, but adult men are particularly vulnerable.
4. Drug abuse, especially among the youth, is exacerbated by factors like peer pressure, academic stress, lack of family guidance, and the easy availability of narcotics. This issue has far-reaching implications, from contributing to spousal violence and child abuse to funding terrorism and organized crime.
Social and Psychological Impact:
Substance abuse not only derails individual lives but also impacts families and communities. Adolescents often fall into the trap of addiction due to escapism, seeking relief from emotional or academic pressures. The psychological toll includes increased instances of depression, anxiety, and violent tendencies. These effects cascade into broader social problems, including poverty and crime.
The Role of Stakeholders:
Parents and Families:
Parents have a pivotal role in prevention:
1. Open, non-judgmental communication about drug use and its consequences is crucial.
2. Creating a secure and loving environment helps children resist peer pressure and avoid escapism.
3. Monitoring behavior and providing emotional support can be effective deterrents against substance abuse.
Schools and Colleges:
Educational institutions must incorporate drug prevention programs in their curricula, focusing on:
1. The physical, emotional, and legal consequences of drug abuse.
2. Evidence-based and experiential learning approaches.
Communities and NGOs:
1. Local communities can collaborate with NGOs and law enforcement to:
2. Organize awareness campaigns in schools and youth centers.
3. Provide resources for early intervention and rehabilitation.
National and State Agencies:
Agencies like the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) need to:
1. Strengthen inter-agency coordination.
2. Implement joint action plans to tackle the drug menace, especially among children.
To the Youth of India:
Youngsters must resist societal pressures that glamorize drug use. It is essential to:
1. Exercise autonomy and make informed decisions.
2. Recognize that addiction not only harms individuals but also their families and communities.
3. Reject cultural narratives that normalize substance abuse.
The Way Forward:
Combating drug abuse requires a multi-pronged approach involving:
1. Stringent Enforcement: Ensuring that laws like the NDPS Act are effectively implemented to disrupt trafficking networks.
2. Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Establishing accessible rehabilitation centers to support recovery and reintegration.
3. Awareness and Education: Initiating large-scale awareness campaigns targeting youth, parents, and educators.
4. Policy Reforms: Updating policies to address emerging challenges, such as synthetic drug abuse and online drug markets.
Drug abuse and trafficking undermine the fabric of society and threaten the potential of India’s youth. It is imperative for all stakeholders—government, judiciary, families, educational institutions, and individuals—to work collectively to combat this menace. Protecting the youth from the clutches of addiction is not just a legal or social responsibility; it is a moral imperative that determines the nation’s future. The time to act is now.( The Author is a senior journalist and editor tripurainfo Dot com, Tripura' s first and widely viewed News Portal)
(Tripurainfo)