26th June is observed as “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”. The Government recognizes Drug abuse as a psycho-socio-medical problem, which can be best handled by adoption of a family/community-based approach by active involvement of NGOs/Community Based Organisations(CBOs) and has been taking several initiatives to help say no to drugs.The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as the nodal Ministry for drug demand reduction, coordinates and monitors all aspects of drug abuse prevention which include assessment of the extent of the problem, preventive action, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, dissemination of information and public education. The Ministry is implementing a Central Sector Scheme of ‘Assistance for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (Drugs) Abuse and for Sopcial Defence Services’. This is a flagship scheme of the Ministry in the field of drug demand reduction. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is also in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan has started an awareness generation programme in the States of Punjab and Manipur. The programme will cover 3000 villages covering 15 Districts in the State of Punjab and 750 villages covering 9 Districts in the State of Manipur.
To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse, every year the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launches a national level awareness campaign. The main programme is organized in New Delhi every year where Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment charirs the function. On this occasion, Hon’ble Minister of HRD, Mr. Kabil Sibal will also address a gathering in the evening at Mavalankar Auditorium in New Delhi and Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Sh. Mukul Wasnik will preside over the function.