The Government has released the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Pshycotropic Substances, NDPS, to strengthen prevention of trafficking and improving the management of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Policy was released by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at a function in New Delhi yesterday. The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health. Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs. On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation. The NDPS policy will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-asset India's commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner.

Releasing the policy, Mr. Mukherjee said that it presents evidence of India’s strong commitment and intent to rise to the challenges posed by the drug menace.