New Delhi, December 4: During the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, BJP MP Madan Rathore drew attention to the growing issue of drug addiction among the youth and children in India. Citing a survey, he revealed that over 10.47 crore people across 372 districts in the country are struggling with substance abuse, including 3.34 crore youth and 2.22 crore women.
Rathore expressed deep concern over the issue, highlighting that approximately 1.5 crore children and adolescents aged between 10 and 17 are consuming substances such as alcohol, opium, cocaine, and cannabis. These substances have a severe impact on their physical, mental, and emotional development.
To combat this issue, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a de-addiction awareness campaign on August 15, 2020. The initiative, which involves NGOs and social organizations, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Several prominent institutions, including Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mandal, Art of Living, Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar, Shri Ramchandra Mission, and ISKCON, are actively engaged in addressing the rising problem.
In his address, Rathore urged the central government to create an action plan for monthly search campaigns to tackle drug addiction among children. He also called for stricter measures against drug traffickers.
The drug-de-addiction campaign is a multi-pronged effort: the Narcotics Control Bureau focuses on curbing drug supply, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment works on public awareness, and the Health Department provides treatment for those affected. Additionally, grassroots organizations like Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, ANMs, Mahila Mandals, and self-help groups are playing an active role in spreading awareness.
As part of these efforts, more than 55,000 educational institutions, including schools and colleges, have organized awareness programs, competitions, and sessions, reaching over 30 lakh students across the country.
