According to a study by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to collect information on the pattern of substance use among children, it was found that the percentage of inhalant and opium users was higher in the children living on the street than in those living at home.
It also said that more than 50 per cent children living on the streets are reported to have bad or very bad relationship or no relationship with the family.
"Tobacco and alcohol were the most common substances used by children, followed by cannabis and inhalants, pharmaceutical opioids, sedatives, heroin and opium," the Minister said while replying to a question in Lok Sabha.
Informing about steps being taken by the government to check drugs and substance use among children, she said WCD is implementing centrally sponsored Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) since 2009-10 for children in difficult circumstances, including victims of substance abuse.