Modi govt plans changes to NDPS Act, could decriminalise possession of small quantities of drugs

Mandatory treatment for de-addiction
The Print (India)
Sunday, November 14, 2021

india chillumIn an attempt to help the victims of drug abuse to come out of addiction, the Narendra Modi government is planning to decriminalise personal consumption of small quantities of drugs including cannabis, narcotics and psychotropic substances. The recommendations in this regard arrived at a high-level meeting on 10 November at the Prime Minister’s Office with top officials from the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Home Affairs, Narcotics Control Bureau, Social Justice Ministry and health ministry. The recommendations made by the various ministries are likely to be considered and included in the draft of an amendment bill that could be presented in the upcoming Parliament session, sources said.