Concerted efforts needed to combat drug abuse: Pranab

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said terrorism, smuggling and drug activities are co-related and a concerted effort is needed to break the nexus which was creating "havoc" in the country's social life. Regretting that the menace of alcoholism and drug abuse was leading to a "complete loss of values" and rise in crime rate, the president said governments, NGOs and civil society members have to work together to eradicate these vices. His remarks came on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as the President also presented the National Awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse. Referring to the growing menace of terrorism, Mukherjee questioned the sources of funding for growing terrorist activities and said many studies have established that terrorism, smuggling and drug activities are co-related. Unless these linkages are broken, it will be very difficult to fight all three, he said. "These social vices have caused havoc in our country as well as across the world. The menace can never be eradicated only by the efforts of the government, and large number of NGOs and civil society organisations have to work together to create awareness about the two social menace. It is not only the problems of the individuals, it has an affect on the society as it gives rise to a tendency for criminal activities, violence, rape. There is a complete loss of values which bind the society together," said Mukherjee. Congratulating the recipients of the awards for their outstanding contributions in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse, he told them not to be complacent and to continue with efforts to eradicate the twin menace. Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, said efforts should be directed towards bringing drug abuse victims into the mainstream society and make their lives a success. He also said his ministry is fully committed to implementation of demand reduction strategy in the country. With this in view, the ministry is implementing the Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse since 1985-86, under which financial assistance is provided to Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) engaged in demand reduction activities. He said he had also launched, a National Toll Free Helpline (1800-11-0031) to assist the alcoholics and drug dependent persons, their family members and community.