The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the setting up of NCTC - CURRENT AFFAIRS 8

The Cabinet Committee on Security on 12 January 2012 approved the setting up of a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to counter terrorism effectively.  The NCTC was proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It will be a single window organisation that will gather and disseminate intelligence to central and state security organisations. A notification for the appointment of Directors and other members of core team of the NCTC will be issued soon.

The NCTC was created in the wake of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. It will work under the Union Home Ministry. A senior IPS officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police and above will head the elite counter-terror body. The NCTC will also coordinate with relevant probe and intelligence agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of terror are brought to justice besides maintaining a comprehensive data base of terrorists, their associates and supporters.

The NDPS Policy will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-assert India`s commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner.

Background: There are four broad aspects of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances –

(i) Administration of the NDPS Act and Rules framed there under,


(ii) The consumption of poppy straw by addicts will be gradually reduced and finally stopped in a time frame decided by the States.

(iii) On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation.

(iv) The private sector may be allowed production of alkaloids from opium. At present alkaloids from opium are produced only in Government Opium and Alkaloid Factories (GOAFs).

(v) Non-intrusive methods of regulating the manufacture, trade and use of such psychotropic substances will be introduced,

(vi) Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs, periodic surveys of drug abuse to gauge the extent, pattern and nature of drug abuse in the country, recognition of de-addiction centers,

(vii) There will be a time bound plan of action, detailing the steps to be taken by different Ministries/ Departments/ agencies, in response to the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board.

The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health and uplifting of the social milieu
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