SHAECH MONITORING DESK
As a part of the National Survey on Extent and pattern for Substance Use in India, in order to understand the pattern and profile of substance use among school and college students across the country, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E) conducted a multi-site survey in 2018-2019 as a Focused Thematic Study, “Substance Use among Students”. In this focused thematic study, ten different locations from across the country were selected as survey sites.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Department for drug demand reduction in the country. To tackle the issue of substance use, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing National Action Plan for Drug Demand reduction (NAPDDR), a Centrally sponsored scheme under which following actions have been undertaken for rehabilitation and awareness of school children and minor youth:
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15th August 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 272 identified vulnerable district and has now been extended to all districts across the country. The initiative aims to raise awareness about substance abuse, with a special focus on higher educational institutions, university campuses and schools. It also emphasises identifying dependent individuals, providing counselling and treatment facilities in hospitals and rehabilitation centres and conducting capacity-building programs for service providers.
• A year back, various on-ground activities under NMBA sensitised over 14.79 crore people, including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women. The campaign engaged over 4.16 lakh educational institutions, ensuring that its message reaches children and young people across the country. Additionally, more-than 10,000 dedicated Master Volunteers (MVs) were identified and trained to further strengthen the movement.
• Developed Navchetna Modules (A New Consciousness on Life Skills and Drug Education for School Children)- teacher training modules. The Navchetna module aims to increase awareness against drugs and promote education on life skills among students in schools.
• 46 Community based Peer Led intervention (CPLI) centres are supported by MoSJ&E. These CPLIs focus on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents to create awareness against drugs and teach life skills.
• A Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is being maintained for providing primary counselling and immediate referral services to the persons seeking help through this helpline.