Union Home Minister Chairs 7th NCORD Meeting, Launches National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’

Desk Report, July 19, 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 7th Apex Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. At the event, he launched the National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’ (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) and virtually inaugurated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Office in Srinagar. Additionally, he released the NCB ‘Annual Report 2023’ and a compendium on ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’.

During his address, Shah highlighted the government’s serious approach to fighting drug abuse under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized the need for every citizen under 35 to pledge to fight this battle and those above 35 to guide them. He stressed that this fight requires the involvement of all 130 crore people in the country.

Shah stated that Prime Minister Modi aims to make India a leader in every field by 2047, which necessitates keeping the younger generation away from drugs. He noted that this battle against drugs is crucial and must be fought with utmost seriousness. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving a drug-free India but emphasized the importance of fighting together to succeed.

Over the last five years, the Modi government has adopted a ‘Whole of Government Approach’ to tackle drug abuse. This approach is based on structural, institutional, and informational reforms. From 2004 to 2023, authorities seized 152,000 kg of drugs worth Rs 5,933 crore. In the subsequent decade, this quantity increased to 543,000 kg, valued at over Rs 22,000 crore. The government’s efforts have dismantled many drug networks.

Shah pointed out that drug abuse not only destroys future generations but also plunges entire families into despair. He warned that the drug trade is now linked to narco-terrorism, posing a severe threat to national security. The economic transactions from the drug trade strengthen illegal activities, including hawala dealings and tax evasion. He called for robust and stringent measures to combat this multi-layered crime.

The Home Minister urged all agencies, especially state police, to target both drug users and those involved in the drug trade. He recommended a ‘Top to Bottom’ and ‘Bottom to Top’ approach in investigations. He cited Gujarat’s success in investigating major drug cases as an example. Shah also highlighted the emergence of synthetic drugs and the need for state agencies to collaborate with NCB to stop these activities.

Shah emphasized the importance of the NCORD mechanism, urging district-level NCORDs to set goals, review progress, and make strategic decisions. He called for an increase in the use of the PITNDPS Act and a shift from a ‘Need to Know’ to a ‘Duty to Share’ approach among agencies. He outlined a three-pronged strategy: a ruthless approach to supply reduction, a strategic approach to demand reduction, and a humane approach to harm reduction.

The MANAS portal, along with other initiatives, aims to reach every state and district unit. Shah announced that the government would soon provide affordable kits for primary testing of narcotics. He praised the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ campaign and urged all organizations to join the effort.

The newly inaugurated NCB Zonal Office in Srinagar will focus on curbing drug trafficking through India’s northwestern border. NCB now operates 30 zonal offices and seven regional offices. The NCB Annual Report 2023 details recent drug seizures, trends in drug trafficking, and actions under various laws.

The MANAS helpline, with toll-free number 1933, a web portal i.e. http://ncbmanas.gov.in., and mobile apps, allows citizens to report drug-related crimes anonymously and seek help for drug abuse and rehabilitation. The NCB, along with BISAG-N, has also developed a web portal and mobile app, ‘MAPDRUGS’, to curb illegal cultivation and provide accurate GIS information.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Union Home Secretary, Revenue Secretary, and representatives from various agencies working towards a drug-free India. The MANAS helpline will play a crucial role in enabling citizens to share information and combat drug-related issues effectively.

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