India’s Revitalized Mission: The Revised National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (2024-2025)

The revised NAPDDR is not merely a policy update; it is a reflection of the government’s deepened commitment to addressing substance abuse as a complex socio-medical issue. Built upon the insights from the groundbreaking National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use, which revealed that millions of Indians are affected by substance use disorders, this plan adopts a “Whole Person Recovery” philosophy. It recognizes that effective intervention must extend beyond detoxification to encompass mental health, social reintegration, and sustainable livelihood. The plan synergizes with the flagship Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), creating an unprecedented institutional framework from the national to the district level to wage a sustained war against drug dependence.

Key Objectives of the Revised Scheme

The scheme is architected around four central pillars:

1. Preventive Education & Awareness: To inoculate communities, especially youth, against substance abuse through large-scale, culturally resonant awareness campaigns and early intervention programs in educational institutions.
2. Accessible Treatment & Holistic Rehabilitation: To ensure that quality de-addiction and rehabilitation services are available and accessible, focusing on both physical health and psychological well-being.
3. Integrated Capacity Building: To create a skilled and empathetic cadre of professionals—from counselors and social workers to medical staff and law enforcement—equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques.
4. Social Reintegration & Livelihood Support: To break the cycle of relapse and stigma by providing recovering individuals with vocational training and livelihood opportunities, enabling them to become productive members of society.

Operational Tenure and Financial Outlay

• Official Launch Date: 17th December 2024
• Operational Period: Until 31st December 2025
• Fee Structure: A cornerstone of this scheme is its commitment to accessibility. All services offered under the NAPDDR, including treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation at government-supported centers, are provided completely free of charge to the beneficiaries. The financial model operates on a grant-in-aid system, where the central government funds implementing agencies.

Detailed Scheme Components & Implementation Framework

The revised plan introduces a more integrated and accountable structure:

1. District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs): The new cornerstone of the plan. These one-stop centers amalgamate the functions of earlier standalone facilities (IRCAs, ODICs, CPLIs). Each DDAC will offer outpatient and inpatient services, counseling, community outreach, and peer-led interventions, all monitored by a committee headed by the District Magistrate.
2. Preventive Outreach: The strategy mandates awareness programs starting from schools, extending to colleges and vulnerable communities. It leverages digital media, street plays, and workshops, involving community leaders, educational bodies, and NGOs.
3. Capacity Building Engine: A dedicated National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) at the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) will serve as the apex body for training. It will standardize and deliver training programs for teachers, counselors, police personnel, prison staff, and healthcare workers.
4. Financial Norms & Funding Pattern:
   • For NGOs/VOs in most states, the Central Government will provide 90% of the approved project cost, with the organization contributing the remaining 10%.
   • For organizations in the North-Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Sikkim, the central share is an enhanced 95%.
   • For State/UT Governments and autonomous institutions like AIIMS, the funding can extend to 100% of the admissible costs.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The scheme operates through a multi-tiered, transparent selection process for its implementing partners.

• Eligible Organizations:
  • Registered Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organizations (VOs) with a proven track record.
  • State and District Administrations.
  • Medical Colleges, Government Hospitals, and autonomous institutions.
  • Educational Institutions, Universities, and bodies like NYKS and NSS.
  • “Start-ups” in the social sector led by young professionals from premier institutes.
• Selection Process:
  1. Expression of Interest (EoI): The Ministry invites proposals through its e-Anudaan portal around March each year.
  2. Scrutiny: Applications are rigorously vetted by the District Administration and State Government, which provide recommendations.
  3. Inspection: A Physical inspection of the applicant organization is conducted by the Programme Monitoring Unit (PMU).
  4. Final Selection: A Project Selection Committee (PSC) in the Ministry, comprising senior officials and external experts, makes the final decision based on a 100-point scoring system. Key parameters include:
     • Past Performance (20 points): Number of addicts treated in previous years.
     • Outreach Activities (20 points): Number of awareness camps and beneficiaries counseled.
     • Financial Sustainability (20 points): Ability to generate funds from other sources like CSR or donations.
     • Infrastructure & Transparency (20 points): Having a functional website with live CCTV feeds for proactive disclosure.
     • Technical Compliance (10 points): Registration on the PFMS portal and implementation of the EAT module for fund tracking.

2Pay Scale and Human Resource Development

The scheme has revised the financial norms for staff remuneration in supported centers to attract and retain qualified professionals. Key positions and their revised approximate monthly honorariums (which may vary based on location and center size) include:

• Project Coordinator/Manager: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
• Medical Officer (Full-time): ₹55,000 – ₹60,000
• Counselor/Social Worker/Psychologist: ₹17,500 per professional
• Staff Nurse: ₹15,000 per nurse
• Outreach Worker/Peer Educator: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
• Accountant & Support Staff: ₹9,000 – ₹12,000

These revised scales ensure that dedicated professionals are adequately compensated, which is crucial for the scheme’s long-term success.

Application Process: A Fully Digital Journey

The entire application and management process is designed to be transparent and digital.

1. Portal: All applications, both for new projects and renewals, must be submitted exclusively through the e-Anudaan portal (grants-msje.gov.in).
2. Registration: Organizations must first register on the portal and obtain a unique ID.
3. Documentation: Applicants must upload all necessary documents, including registration certificates, past performance reports, and detailed project proposals.
4. Tracking: The portal allows applicants to track the status of their application through various stages of scrutiny.
5. Fund Flow: Approved grants are disbursed in three installments directly through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), ensuring complete transparency and tracking of funds to the “last mile.”