In Brief
Bachpan Bachao Andolan sought directions to the Union of India to formulate and implement a comprehensive national action plan addressing substance abuse among children. The Court found alarming increases in drug and alcohol use among India's 44 crore children, with recent surveys showing concerning prevalence rates. While legislative frameworks and multiple government policy documents existed, reliable national data was lacking and implementation was fragmented. The Court issued directions requiring: (1) completion of a national survey on drug abuse within six months; (2) formulation of a comprehensive national plan within four months covering capacity building, awareness and de-addiction centres; and (3) incorporation of substance abuse prevention content in school curricula. The petition was disposed of with these directions, emphasizing coordinated Union-State action without the Court itself making policy.
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