President Pranab Mukherjee will confer national awards for outstanding services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) abuse here today on the occasion of international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Addiction to drugs and alcohol not only affect the individuals involved but also disrupts the family and society. Of late, the menace of drug abuse in the younger generation has been rising all over the world and India is no exception to it.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment being the nodal Department is fully committed to implementation of demand reduction strategy in the country.
With this in view, since 1985-86, the Department has been providing financial assistance to Non-Government Organization (NGOs) etc. who are engaged in demand reduction activities under the "Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse".
The process of rehabilitation of drug and alcohol dependents is an inter-disciplinary process covering various aspects namely, prevention, early detection, intervention, education, vocational training, rehabilitation and social integration etc. Apart from resources, it requires dedicated efforts of humans involved in the process of development.
Substance abuse being a psycho-social-medical problem, community based intervention through Non-Government Organisation (NGOs), Panchayat/Municipal bodies, Educational Institutions etc. has been considered as an important strategy for treatment and rehabilitation of the addicts.
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In order to recognize the efforts and encourage excellence in the field of prevention of substance abuse and rehabilitation of its victims, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment had Gazette notified on 31.12.2012 the "Scheme of National Awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse".
The scheme is applicable to Institutions and individuals working in the field of Prevention of Drug and Alcoholism Abuse.