(a)whether the Government have taken note of the International
Narcotics Control Board annual report released on February 26,2003;
(b)if so, the main findings of the report particularly impact of
illicit drug trade; and
(c) the steps being proposed on the above findings of the reportby the Government?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The focus of the Annual Report 2002 of the International Narcotics
Control Bureau (released on February 26, 2003) is the review of the
adverse socio-economic impact of illicit (drug) crop cultivation and
illicit drug trade on long-term economic growth. This review shows
that illicit drug production and related economic activities compromise
long term economic development because of their destabilizing effects on
the state, the economy and the civil society.
(c) Efforts are made continuously to effectively implement the provisions
of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and those of
the International Conventions on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
to control illicit production, abuse and trafficking.