The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse (June 26, 2016) in New Delhi on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Speaking on the occasion, the President told the award winners not to remain complacent and to continue with efforts for eradicating the twin menace. The President said the two vices have caused havoc in the social life of our country as well as across the world. The President also said many studies have established that terrorism, smuggling and drug activities are co-related. Unless these linkages are broken, it will be very difficult to fight all three.
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment said that, we should work towards bringing drug abuse victims into the mainstream society and make their lives a success. He also said that his ministry is fully committed to implementation of demand reduction strategy in the country. With this in view, his ministry is implementing the Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse since 1985-86. Under the said Scheme financial assistance is provided to Non-Government Organization (NGOs) etc. who are engaged in demand reduction activities. He said that he had also launched, a National Toll Free Helpline (1XXX-XX-0031) to assist the alcoholics and drug dependent persons, their family members and community.
Other the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar as well as Shri Vijay Sampla, Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.