Daily News Analysis

7th Apex Level Meeting of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

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  • Union Home Minister’s Directive: Amit Shah called for stringent actions against drug smuggling syndicates during the 7th apex level meeting of NCORD.
  • New Initiatives:
  • Toll-Free Helpline: MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) with the number 1933 was launched to provide 24/7 assistance and information related to drug issues.
  • Digital Tools: A new web portal and mobile app were introduced to facilitate constant connectivity with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

  • Establishment: The NCB is India’s apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency, created in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

  • Formation: Established in 2016 to improve coordination among states and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Strengthening: Enhanced with a four-tier system in 2019.
  • Aim: To improve coordination among central and state agencies combating drug trafficking and abuse.
  • Structure:
  • Apex Level Committee: Headed by Union Home Secretary.
  • Executive Level Committee: Led by Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • State Level Committees: Chaired by Chief Secretaries.
  • District Level Committees: Directed by District Magistrates.

India’s Regulatory Framework Against Drug Menace

  • Constitutional Basis:
  • Article 47: Directs the State to prohibit intoxicating drugs injurious to health, except for medicinal purposes.
  • International Conventions:
  • Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 (amended by 1972 Protocol)
  • Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
  • United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988
  • Existing Laws:
  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
  • Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988
  • Institutions Involved:
  • NCB: Apex agency for drug law enforcement.
  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW): Manages drug demand reduction policies and de-addiction programs.
  • Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE): Also involved in drug de-addiction.
  • Permanent Inter-Ministerial Committee: Formed with MoHFW and Ministry of Chemicals to prevent misuse of dual-use drugs.
  • Technological Interventions:
  • NCORD Portal: Facilitates effective information exchange among various agencies.
  • MANAS Helpline: Provides 24/7 support for drug-related queries.

Other Government Measures:

  • Three-Point Strategy for a Drug-Free India by 2047:
  • Institutional Strengthening
  • Enhanced Coordination Among Narco Agencies
  • Public Awareness Campaigns
  • Specific Steps Taken:
  • Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): Established in each state/UT.
  • Drug Disposal Drive: Prioritized for effective drug management.
  • NIDAAN Portal: Launched for tracking narco offenders.
  • Canine Squads: Created for drug detection.
  • Forensic Capabilities: Strengthened to support drug law enforcement.
  • Special NDPS Courts: Established along with Fast Track Courts for expeditious handling of cases.
  • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA): Public awareness campaign against drug abuse.

These measures and initiatives aim to enhance India’s ability to combat drug trafficking, improve coordination among various agencies, and promote a drug-free society through comprehensive policy and enforcement strategies.

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