DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION PROGRAMME IN INDIA – A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ANALYSIS

Abstract

India is a welfare-based nation; therefore, it has an embedded responsibility to protect the marginalized communities. However, drug dependency has always been a hidden phenomenon. Focusing on Indian scenario, this research critically analysed the implementation of the demand reduction programme, i.e. the National scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance abuse which emerged from Section 71 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This research has consolidated an in-depth analysis of the rationale of treatment and rehabilitation components of the scheme, its implementation mechanisms from the Centre to grassroots, its intervention processes at community level and the efficiency of monitoring systems.

The study was carried through participatory approach by including drug dependents, policy makers, lobbyists, Government bodies and de-addiction centres. The study brought out a national perspective by covering Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi and Mizoram representing Southern, Western, Northern and North East regions of the country respectively. This approach was deployed to obtain a holistic understanding of the country.

Keeping intact the human rights aspect of drug dependents, careful analysis was made by including reflections and critics of all political and social actors in this field. The treatment and rehabilitation services were analyzed categorically and thematically by posing specific standards such as Availability, Accessibility, Quality and Protection of Human Rights.

It is hoped that the findings of this study will throw more light into the hidden realities of the drug demand reduction programme in India.