Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B.L. Verma, disclosed that a recent national survey highlighted alcohol as the predominant substance used by adults aged 18 to 75, with approximately 15.10 crore users. Following alcohol, there are 2.90 crore cannabis users, 1.90 crore opioid users, 1.10 crore sedative users, and 60 lakh inhalant users in this demographic.
Verma, in a written response in Lok Sabha, emphasized the Ministry’s efforts to bolster the execution of Centrally-sponsored programs for efficient financial aid, increased transparency, and enhanced service delivery in drug demand reduction, rehabilitation, and social justice sectors. The Ministry has implemented measures to streamline fund disbursement processes, expand de-addiction infrastructure, and improve access to rehabilitation services nationwide.
The Department has instituted a rigorous monitoring system to ensure prompt processing of proposals and fund allocation for various Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Verma mentioned the introduction of a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to facilitate the release of grants to partner NGOs, simplifying documentation requirements and enhancing administrative efficiency for schemes like the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
