Sneha KumariWe all know addiction-related issues are increasing day by day in India. In such a situation, the question of what the Indian government is even doing for addiction arises too. Most people think the India Government is not taking any action against this crisis. Is this true? No. India has a comprehensive legal framework to address all these issues. The expert of our Nasha Mukti Kendra in Gurgaon has listed five key laws and policies in this context:
1. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act)
This is a primary law that deals with drug abuse, drug trafficking, and the control of narcotics and psychotropic substances in India. This act regulates the manufacture, production, sale, purchase, use, and transport of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The offenders of this act will receive strict penalties. The small penalties are fines and imprisonment of up to 6 months. The heavier punishments are high fines and imprisonment from 10 to 20 years, sometimes even life imprisonment.
2. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
This law was passed to protect the children of this country. Hence, this law prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquor and drugs to minors. This act also mandates rehabilitation and counseling for minor substance abusers.
3. Prohibition and Regulation of Alcohol
The regulation of alcohol is at the state level in India. Every state has different laws regarding the sale, consumption, and prohibition of alcohol. Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and some parts of Mizoram and Lakshadweep have a prohibition of alcohol and severe penalties for violating this rule.
In other states, alcohol consumption is legal but regulated with a minimum legal drinking age. There are alcohol licensing laws, drunk driving laws, and the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
4. Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA)
This act is to address nicotine addiction. Hence, it regulates the advertising, sale, and consumption of tobacco products. In public places, smoking is prohibited and strict penalties are enforced for violators. Furthermore, tobacco products cannot be sold to minors or near any educational institution.
5. Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS)
This is a law that allows preventive detention of people who are suspected of being involved in illicit drug trafficking. This is intended to curb drug trafficking organizations by detaining suspected individuals. This detainment can go up to two years if necessary even without trials.
Reach Ekantar Foundation to Learn More Information!
These five laws are not the only steps India has taken in curbing addiction. There are many more laws, rules, and policies the Indian government has made to stop the addiction crisis. For more information regarding this topic, reach Ekantar Foundation the best Rehabilitation Centre in Gurgaon. You can simply contact them for this. They are always available for their patient. You can go through their rehabilitation program too if you are addicted to anything. So reach them right now!
