Question : DE-ADDICTION CENTRES

(a) whether the Government proposes to open more de-addiction centres to de-addict youth in the country and if so, the detailed planning in this regard, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government also proposes to launch a scheme for setting up such centres at district level in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of financial allocation made during the last three years, State-wise;

(e) the details regarding performance of the de-addiction centres set up so far; and

(f) the other steps being taken to check drug addiction including collaboration with Non-Governmental organisations for the said purpose?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI D. NAPOLEON)

(a) The Ministry is implementing a Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse under which financial assistance is provided to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other eligible institutions for running of de-addiction centres. Financial assistance for new centres is considered, depending on the requirement of concerned State Governments, on receipt of complete proposals duly recommended by them.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare also sets up drug de-addiction facilities in Government hospitals which is a continuing and on-going process depending upon the receipt of proposals from the concerned hospitals/State Governments.

(b)&(c) There is no such proposal.

(d) Under the scheme, funds are not provided to the State Governments. A Statement indicating State-wise release of grants to NGOs running de-addiction centres during the last three years (2007-08 to 2009-10), is at Annexure.

The funds released by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the purpose during the last three years is given at Annexure . The funds are not released State-wise.

(e) About 3.30 lakh persons have benefited through the de-addiction centres, assisted by the Ministry, in the last three years. As per information provided by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the drug de-addiction centres in the Government hospitals are running satisfactorily.

(f) Under the Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse, financial assistance is provided to NGOs, inter-alia, to create awareness and educate people about the ill-effects of alcoholism and substance abuse on the individual, the family, the workplace and society at large; and to provide community based services for the identification, motivation, counselling for addicts.

On 26th June every year i.e. International Day against Illicit Trafficking and Drug Abuse, National Drug Awareness Day is observed and special campaign is undertaken to spread awareness.

The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) working under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) functioning under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have also developed IEC-Health Education materials on drugs and alcohol and how to prevent their use for public distribution.