Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse for identification, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation. Financial assistance is provided for setting-up and running Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCAs) .

Eligibility

Following organizations are eligible for assistance:

  • A Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (XXI of 1860) or any relevant Act of the State Governments⟋Union Territory Administrations or under any State law relating to the registration of Literary, Scientific and Charitable societies
  • Registered Societies formed by the State Governments.
  • District Hospitals subject to condition that they maintain separate accounts for de-addiction.
  • Railway Hospitals near major Railway Stations subject to condition that they maintain separate accounts for de-addiction.
  • A Public Trust registered under any law for the time being in force
  • A Company established under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956
  • Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) , Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) , organizations⟋institutions fully funded or managed by State⟋Central Government or a local body
  • Universities, Schools of Social Work, other reputed educational institutions, NYKS, and such other well established organizations⟋institutions which may be approved by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
  • The proposal is forwarded by the State Governments. However, the proposals of NGOs for release of grant in aid are considered in the Ministry only after it is inspected and recommended by the State Government.
  • These IRCAs are responsible for Preventive Education and Awareness Generation programmes in their neighborhood, educational institutions, workplace, and slums with the purpose of sensitizing the community about the impact of addiction and the need to take professional help for treatment.

Other Government Schemes to Fight Drug Addiction

  • In November 2016, the government constituted Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) along with the revival of the scheme of “Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control” .
  • Indian government has also signed 37 Bilateral Agreements⟋Memoranda of Understanding to establish effective coordination with foreign countries against the drug issue.
  • The government of India has also constituted a special fund called “National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse” to meet the expenditure demands related to illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs, rehabilitating addicts etc.
  • A person is prohibited to produce, possess, sell, purchase, transport, store and⟋or consume any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Examrace Team at Aug 27, 2021