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National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’ Launched
Context:
During the 7th NCORD top-level meeting, the Union Home Minister launched MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra) Portal to seek advice on de-addiction and rehabilitation and share information on drug trafficking.
More on News:
- Centre of Excellence for Narcotics Control, for capacity-building and Mission Spandhan to raise public awareness about drug-related issues were also launched during the meeting.
- Forensic Science University is developing an indigenous, cost-effective forensic narcotics testing kit to aid agencies in filing drug-related cases.
- A new Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal office was announced for Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on curbing drug trafficking through India’s northwestern border.
MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra) Portal:
- MANAS Portal features a toll-free number 1933, a web portal, a mobile app, and integration with the UMANG app.
- It allows citizens to connect with the NCB 24×7 for advice on de-addiction and rehabilitation, and to report drug trafficking.
- The exclusive portal addresses issues related to:
- Drug trafficking, illegal sale, purchase, storage, manufacturing, and illicit cultivation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, according to the (NCB).
- All information provided by citizens on the MANAS helpline will remain confidential.
- NCB will verify details and take appropriate action as per established procedures under the Indian law and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the NDPS Act, 1985.
- It is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- It is the nodal agency responsible for coordinating drug law enforcement with various ministries, offices, and State/Central enforcement agencies, as well as addressing drug abuse issues.
- It is responsible for implementing international obligations against illicit drug trafficking under UN Conventions of 1961, 1971, and 1988, to which India is a signatory.
- Headquarter: Delhi.
- National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, based on Article 47 of Indian Constitution, directs the State to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drugs except for medicinal purposes.
- The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, provides for penalties on property used in illegal drug trafficking.
- It prohibits manufacturing, producing, cultivating, possessing, selling, purchasing, transporting, storing, or consuming any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance without permission from the appropriate authorities.