NGO Consultant

NGO Consultant
Odisha NGO Consultancy Services

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Funds available for NGOs fighting drug abuse: Government

KOCHI: Organizations across the country, fighting drug abuse can avail funds set apart for this purpose as per the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Union government has informed the high court.

The information was submitted in response to a public interest litigation filed by advocate Rajesh V R in the high court.

The Union government has constituted a national fund for control of drug abuse and issued guidelines for its effective implementation for the benefit of such organizations, said an affidavit filed by Union ministry of finance. The affidavit was filed by by S N Dash of department of revenue, on behalf of the ministry.

As per the guidelines produced before the court, in addition to the funds from the government, sale proceeds of any property forfeited from those engaged in illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs can be source of fund for the organizations that work to eliminate the issues of drug usage.

Any properties of drug dealers arrested for offences under the NDPS Act that are punishable with imprisonment of more than 10 years or convicted to such a term by a court will have to forfeit their property.

The guidelines say the fund can be used for combating illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or substances controlled by the NDPS Act.

According the guideline framed by the government, any expenses to meet the measures taken for controlling abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances can also be claimed by the organizations under the fund.

The other heads under which the fund can be utilized includes identification, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. It can also be availed for educating the public against drug abuse.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Funds-available-for-NGOs-fighting-drug-abuse-Government/articleshow/45517372.cms

The provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act

http://www.indiacode.nic.in/acts2014/16%20of%202014.pdf

Amendment of NDPS Act 2014 - Frequently asked questions

http://palliumindia.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/FAQs-Amendment-of-NDPS-2014.pdf