(a) whether many children in the country are becoming addicted to consume
naphthalene balls, petrol, diesel, thinner, nail-polish remover, pain-relieving
ointments as intoxicants;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government proposes to launch any special scheme to address
the problem; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT(SHRI D. NAPOLEON)
(a) There is no authentic data to conclusively indicate about the number of
addicted children in the country.
(b) Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment implements a `Central Sector
Scheme of Assistance for Prevantion of Alocholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse` under
which financial assistance is provided, inter-alia, to Non-Governmental
Organisations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan for running Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCAs) to provide
composite/integrated services for the rehabilitation of the addicts including children
on the basis of recommendation of the State Government. The Ministry in collaboration
with National Bal Bhawan (through its network of 155 affilated Bal Bhavans and 77 Bal
Kendras) has started an awareness generation programme among the children of the age
group of 12-16 year through a series of activities like poster making, creative
writing, lecture, rally, nukkad natak etc. at local, zonal and national level during
the current year at a project cost of Rs. 1.06 crore. Similarly, in collaboration
with Nehru Yuva Kenra Sanghathan (NYKS), an awareness generation programme in the
State of Punjab and Manipur covering 3000 villages of 10 Districts in the State of
Punjab and 750 villages of 7 Districts in the State of Manipur has been started at
a project cost of Rs.3.50 crores. Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghathan through its network
of volunteers at village level will create awareness about the ill affects of
alcoholism and Substance (Drug) abuse among the rural masses through door to door
campaign, wall writing, candle march, poster campaign, street play etc. De-addiction
camps will also be organized for the identified addicts.
(c) No, sir.
(d) Does not arise.