Rationale of the Project
In a national survey conducted by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India, it was estimated that about 73.2 million persons were alcohol, and drugs abusers. Nearly, 22% of them were found to be addicted and the number is increasing. The National survey also revealed that 80% of people who had ever used alcohol, continued to use it and the same was true for 70% of cannabis users and 65% opiate users- indicating that experimenting could lead to Drug abuse and alcoholism.
Drugs Abuse in Punjab & Manipur - A Situation Analysis
The State of Manipur bordering Assam to its West, Mizoram to its South and Nagaland to its North within the country and Myanmar as its international neighbour is strategically important for the country as it falls within the ‘Golden Triangle’ comprising of Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand. Manipur share a common international border with Myanmar the world’s second largest illicit opium producing country. Drug trafficking across the common border of Myanmar occurs with ease.
Punjab State is in proximity to international drug trafficking zone called ‘Golden Crescent’. Being a border state, with 550-km international border with Pakistan, Punjab “has became a transit point in international drug trafficking”. Use of illegal drugs and alcohol is increasing among adolescents and youth at an alarming rate. Punjab emerging as a major transit and destination point for drugs coming from Afghanistan and Pakistan, the State government has begun a new campaign against drugs to check addiction and abuse among youth. In this background, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) has taken up a Project on “Awareness and Education for the Prevention of Drug Abuse & Alcoholism” in 3000 villages under 75 Blocks of 10 districts in the State of Punjab and 750 villages under 25 Blocks in 7 districts in the State of Manipur.
The Project is implemented with financial assistance under the Scheme of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The Project is being implemented in these two states with particular focus on adolescents and youth, their parents and other members of the Community and the high risk/vulnerable groups with the Intention of sensitizing community about the socio economic and ill health impact of addiction and need of professional outlook for generating awareness and educating them for leading a healthy and meaningful life. |
