UPSC Notes

Drug Abuse and National Strategy for Drug Control

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Drug abuse is a critical social issue with profound implications for national security, public health, youth development, and economic productivity. UPSC frequently tests government policies, legal frameworks, and institutional mechanisms to combat such challenges in GS1 (Social Issues), GS2 (Governance, Welfare Schemes, Law & Order), and GS3 (Internal Security, Economy). Understanding the multi-faceted approach to drug control is essential for analyzing governance effectiveness and societal well-being.

Drug abuse is a significant socio-economic challenge impacting public health, productivity, and social stability, particularly among youth. The government's national strategy aims to combat this through a multi-pronged approach encompassing demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction, crucial for achieving national development goals like 'Viksit Bharat'.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Strategic Pillars

Demand reduction (awareness/prevention), Supply reduction (ruthless enforcement), and Harm reduction (rehabilitation).

Enforcement Approach

A 'Detect, Disrupt, and Destroy' approach targeting the complete drug ecosystem, from international suppliers to local networks.

Key Challenges

India's proximity to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, rise of synthetic drugs, darknet trafficking, cryptocurrency transactions, and drone-based smuggling.

Legal Framework

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is the primary legislation for drug control in India.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSocial Justice & Development
Conceptual areaInternal Security
Conceptual areaPublic Health

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)Enforcement and investigation
Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)Coordination and policy formulation
Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs)State-level enforcement
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • India's anti-drug strategy: Detect, Disrupt, Destroy.
  • Three pillars: Demand reduction, Supply reduction, Harm reduction.
  • Key institutions: NCB, NCORD, State ANTFs.
  • Challenges: Golden Crescent/Triangle, darknet, synthetic drugs, cross-border smuggling.
  • NDPS Act is the primary legal framework for drug control.

Elimination traps

Body vs treatyDistinguish between the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act (a legal framework) and enforcement bodies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) or Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD).

Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Social Justice & DevelopmentInternal SecurityPublic Health

What is the Drug-Free Youth for Viksit Bharat campaign? | Explained

03 Aug 2026 · India's comprehensive strategy against drug abuse, exemplified by campaigns like 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat', focuses on prevention, rigorous enforcement under the NDPS Act, and rehabilitation. It addresses the socio-economic impact and national security threats posed by drug trafficking and addiction, particularly among youth, while tackling challenges from global drug routes and emerging technologies.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Drug Abuse and National Strategy for Drug Control

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Drug Abuse and National Strategy for Drug Control in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Drug Abuse and National Strategy for Drug Control

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