The resolution was adopted by the 24th Party Congress of CPI(M)
The 24th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses serious concern about drug addiction among youngsters worldwide, including India. This pressing issue necessitates immediate attention, collective action, and concrete solutions. Drug addiction affects not only health but also education, employment, and social stability, undermining the potential of young people to contribute to national development.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drugs Report highlights the rising prevalence of substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults, driven by social alienation, peer pressure, and easy access to illicit substances. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 270 million people worldwide, aged 15-64, used illicit drugs in 2020. Youth remain the most vulnerable in demographic terms.
India, with its vast youth population, faces a serious drug addiction crisis. Reports from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) indicate alarming trends in the consumption of opioids, cannabis, and synthetic drugs. Nearly 3.1 lakh individuals in India struggle with drug addiction. The 2019 National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India found that 14.6 per cent of individuals aged 10-19 years used psychoactive substances.
Concerns and Recommendations: There is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement. This Party Congress recommends the following:
1. Strengthening Prevention and Awareness Programmes: Implement awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities to educate youngsters about drug abuse risks.
2. Enhancing Treatment and Rehabilitation Facilities: Increase access to quality treatment centres, incorporating evidence-based interventions and counselling.
3. Enforcing Stringent Laws and Regulations: Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to curb the illicit drug trade and ensure effective implementation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
4. Promoting Community-Based Initiatives: Engage parents, teachers, and local leaders to create a supportive environment and provide positive alternatives.
5. Increasing Funding and Resource Allocation: Allocate sufficient funds to support anti-drug initiatives, treatment centres, and research programmes.
The 24th Congress of the CPI(M) urges the Government of India to take immediate and sustained action against drug addiction among youngsters. A comprehensive National Action Plan is needed to combat drug abuse effectively. It is only collective action, commitment, and cooperation among governments, civil society, and individuals that can help mitigate the menace of drug addiction among youngsters.