Why in news?

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) will honor 30 top-performing districts for successfully implementing a Joint Action Plan to curb substance abuse among school children. The awards will be presented on June 30 by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. The event coincides with a national review and consultation organized by NCPCR and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on preventing drug and substance abuse and illicit trafficking.

What’s in today’s article?

• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
• Fight against drug menace – India’s regulatory framework
• 30 districts to be recognised for containing drug abuse among school children

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

• About
  • The NCPCR is a statutory body established in 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
  • Its primary objective is to ensure the protection of child rights as enshrined in the Indian Constitution and various international conventions.
  • The NCPCR's mandate is to monitor and promote the rights of children, defined as individuals below the age of 18 years, and ensure their well-being in all aspects of their lives.
  • The Commission envisages a rights-based perspective, which flows into national policies and programmes.
• Some of the notable Works of NCPCR
  • Elimination of Corporal Punishment
    • NCPCR has actively worked to eliminate corporal punishment in schools by issuing guidelines and creating awareness about the negative impacts of such practices on children's mental and physical health.
  • Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
    • The commission plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of the POCSO Act, which provides stringent measures to address sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
  • Child Labour
    • NCPCR has been instrumental in addressing child labor issues by monitoring and advocating for the strict enforcement of laws that prohibit child labor and ensure the rehabilitation of affected children.
  • Education
    • The commission monitors the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, ensuring that children receive free and compulsory education.
    • It also addresses issues related to school infrastructure, teacher quality, and child-friendly learning environments.
  • Juvenile Justice
    • NCPCR oversees the implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, ensuring that children in conflict with the law receive proper care and rehabilitation.
  • Combating Substance Abuse
    • NCPCR has launched initiatives and action plans to prevent and address substance abuse among children.
  • Child Trafficking
    • The commission works to prevent child trafficking by collaborating with various stakeholders, conducting rescue operations, and ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked children.
  • COVID-19 Response
    • During the COVID-19 pandemic, NCPCR launched various initiatives to support children affected by the crisis, including those who lost parents or guardians.
    • It worked on ensuring continuity in education, providing mental health support, and safeguarding children's rights during lockdowns and school closures.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• About: NCB is the apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India, established in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985.
  • The NCB is responsible for combating drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances.
• Nodal ministry: The NCB operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Fight against drug menace – India’s regulatory framework

• Article 47 of the Indian Constitution
  • The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on the Directive Principles, contained in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution.
  • The Article directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
• Signatory to international conventions
  • India is a signatory to:
    • the single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the Conventions on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and
    • the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
• Existing Laws
  • The broad legislative policy is contained in the three Central Acts:
    • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940,
    • The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and
    • The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.

30 districts to be recognised for containing drug abuse among school children

• About Joint Action Plan (JAP)
  • JAP was developed by the NCPCR and the NCB based on deliberations with the concerned Ministries in 2021.
  • It streamlines efforts made by different agencies to bring paradigm shifts in prevention.
  • The JAP is a framework to:
    • wean children away from drug abuse;
    • stop the sale of drugs in areas surrounding educational and children care institutions; and
    • prevent the reach of pharmaceutical drugs and other goods used as intoxicants by children.
• ‘Prahari’ (sentry) portal to be launched
  • During the vent, a new portal called ‘Prahari’ (sentry) to be launched.
  • The portal aims to conduct quarterly awareness activities on drugs and substance abuse in schools. These activities will be organized by children and teachers nominated by special ‘Prahari’ clubs.
  • These clubs are managed and run by children to achieve shared goals.