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:
• • 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.

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.