March 08, 2026 07:34 am (IST)
Follow us:
Need to make drug addicts productive members of society: Prez
New Delhi, June 26 (IBNS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday expressed concern over the growing alcoholism and drug abuse in India and said there is a need of focussed attention on making the addicts productive members of the society.
"The aim of the comprehensive treatment programme should not merely be to get the addicted individuals off alcohol or drugs. Focussed attention on making the addicts productive members of the society by making them drug free, crime free and gainfully employed, is what is required," Mukherjee said at the presentation of national awards for outstanding services in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance (drugs) abuse on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
"In this connection, the importance of skill building and vocational training of drug dependent persons for their effective social and economic reintegration cannot be over emphasised. Generating continuous and sustained awareness through innovative methods about the harmful effects of drug abuse also assumes critical importance," he said.
Mukherjee said, "Alcoholism and drug abuse have become a major social concern. Today, the entire world is confronted with this problem in some form or the other. With India’s vulnerable geographical position between the two major drug producing zones -- the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent, drug menace continues to spread its tentacles in the country, acquiring ever growing dimensions."
He said, while on the one hand, the use of drugs and alcohol is increasing, on the other hand, social taboos, emphasis on self-restraint, discipline inherent in a joint family system and traditional moorings are eroding.
"Among other factors, the fast changing social milieu arising out of this social and economic transition, which the country is going through, is contributing to the proliferation of drug abuse," Mukherjee noted.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
President Murmu’s ‘upset’ remark over tribal event triggers Modi-Mamata political row
Sat, Mar 07 2026
India stands firm on Russian oil: New Delhi says energy decisions need no permission
Sat, Mar 07 2026
Historic achievement: Narendra Modi congratulates Nepali people over successful polls
Sat, Mar 07 2026
'Maybe Mamata Didi is angry with me': President Droupadi Murmu questions event venue change during Bengal visit
Sat, Mar 07 2026
26-year-old Hindu man killed after Holi altercation with Muslim neighbour in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar; four arrested
Sat, Mar 07 2026
26-year-old killed in Holi dispute, tension grips Delhi’s Uttam Nagar as protests erupt
Sat, Mar 07 2026
‘Protest before Modi, Shah’: Mamata Banerjee snaps at para teachers disrupting anti-SIR dharna
Sat, Mar 07 2026