District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs)
Context: The Union Government is seeking proposals to set up District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) as part of its National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction in 291 “gap”districts across 30 States and Union Territories.
What Are DDACs?
- District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) are government-supported facilities aimed at helping people recover from substance abuse.
- States With the Highest Number of “Gap” Districts
- These districts are called “gap districts” because they don’t have any existing government-supported facilities to treat or help people addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Chhattisgarh has the most districts needing de-addiction centres (31 out of 33).
- These DDACs would “conduct primary prevention activities”
- Involves organizing awareness programmes among the vulnerable and affected community.
- Identify children/adolescents/youth at risk of substance use and offer them guidance.
Why Are DDACs Important?
- India has a growing drug addiction problem, with millions affected.
- The 2017-18 National Survey estimated that:
- 1.18 crore children and teenagers use drugs like alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and hallucinogens.
- Seven crore adults in India use psychoactive substances.
Other Government Initiatives for Drug Rehabilitation
- The Social Justice Ministry supports:
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- 350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs)
- 74 Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODICs)
- 46 Community-based Peer Led Initiatives (CPLIs)
- Additionally, 142 addiction treatment centres are running in government hospitals.
About National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction
- This initiative was launched in 2018 ( 2018 –2025) by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
- Objective: Reduce drug abuse through education, rehabilitation, and community based service.
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Aid-Washing
Context: After a three-month blockade by Israel, entry of aid in Gaza through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has sparked debate over the aid washing.
What is Aid-Washing?
- Aid-washing refers to the practice of using aid distribution to improve a country’s image while not fully addressing humanitarian needs.
- Benefits of Aid-Washing
- Political Influence: Governments can use aid distribution to gain control over conflict zones.
- International reputation: It helps divert attention from controversial policies or actions.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)
- It is a newly formed aid organization backed by the U.S. and Israel, created to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza.
- Established in February 2025, the GHF aims to provide food and essential supplies to Gazans.
- It operates centralized distribution centers, with plans to expand aid hubs.
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3 Jun 2025
