Kashi Declaration for Drug-Free India

Syllabus: GS3/ Internal Security

Context

•  The Kashi Declaration, outlining a five-year roadmap for a drug-free India was signed during the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi.

Kashi Declaration

• The Kashi Declaration affirms a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge, and calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. 
• It emphasises the integration of spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent addiction, support recovery, and foster a national culture of sobriety. 
• It proposes institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination, including the formation of a Joint National Committee, annual progress reporting, and a national platform for linking affected individuals to support services.

Menace of Drug Abuse in India

• According to a 2019 report by AIIMS and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment;
  • Over 16 crore Indians consume alcohol, with 5.7 crore requiring medical help.
  • More than 2.3 crore people use cannabis and opioids.
  • About 1.08% of 10-75 year old Indians (approximately 1.18 crore people) use sedatives (non-medical, non-prescription use).
  • Inhalants are a concern, particularly among children and adolescents, with a higher prevalence of use (1.17%) compared to adults (0.58%).

Reasons for drug menace in India

• Geographical location: India lies close to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, major global drug-producing regions.
  • Easy cross-border smuggling in states like Punjab, Manipur, and Assam enables drug inflow.
• Youth vulnerability: Peer pressure, stress, unemployment, and curiosity make youth susceptible to drug use.
• Weak enforcement: Inadequate surveillance, corruption, and overburdened agencies hinder effective control.
• Easy availability: Online platforms, local peddlers, and pharmacies make drugs more accessible.
• Social disintegration: Broken families, isolation, and lack of community support increase addiction risks.

Impact of Drug Abuse

• Economic Impact: Drug abuse lowers productivity, increases healthcare costs, and weakens human capital.
• Health Impact: It causes mental disorders, spreads HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, and leads to physical deterioration.
• Social Impact: It disrupts families, fuels domestic violence, and results in social isolation and stigma.
• National Security Impact: Drug trade fosters narco-terrorism, organised crime, and youth involvement weakens national integrity.

Steps Taken

• Indian Initiatives: 
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act): It prohibits the production, possession, sale, and consumption of illicit drugs and prescribes penalties for violations.
  • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Launched in 2020, this campaign aims to create awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse and promote a drug-free India. 
  • Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): Many states have established ANTFs to strengthen drug law enforcement at the state level.
  • DarkNet Monitoring Cell under Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) tracks online drug sales.
• Global Initiatives:
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): The UNODC is at the forefront of the global fight against illicit drugs. The UNODC-led campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
  • International Narcotics Control Board (INCB): The INCB monitors the global drug situation and assesses countries’ compliance with international drug control treaties. 

Concluding remarks

• The growing drug menace in India poses a grave threat to public health, societal well-being, and national security. 
• However, sustained success will require coordinated efforts across government, civil society, and communities, with a strong emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment to build a truly Nasha Mukt Bharat.

Source: PIB