Pratik Das, Pune
Karnataka’s government has decided to make drug peddling a crime that cannot be bailed out, with the possibility of life imprisonment as the maximum punishment. The decision was announced on Wednesday by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Siddaramaiah has also said that a team of ministers will be formed to tackle drug abuse, emphasising the government’s strict “zero tolerance” policy. He said the government will do everything possible to eliminate this “social menace.” The Chief Minister led a meeting on drug abuse, attended by Home Minister G Parameshwara, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, Priyank Kharge, IT & BT Minister, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and senior officials, including police officers.
Siddaramaiah stated that the government has been made aware of the growing drug problem in Karnataka through different parts of society and the media, hence he had held a meeting with Ministers and senior officials. He mentioned that Bengaluru alone makes up 50% of drug cases in Karnataka, while Mangaluru makes up 22%.
The Chief Minister explained that there is already a committee led by the Chief Secretary at the state level and by Deputy Commissioners at the district level to address the drug issue, and experts have called for more awareness and stronger enforcement. He also announced that a task force, headed by the Home Minister, will be formed to oversee these committees.
The task force will include the Health Minister, Primary and Higher Education Ministers, Medical Education Minister and the Social Welfare Minister. Siddaramaiah said they will hold regular meetings to conduct reviews and take action. He also raised concerns about synthetic drugs, like tablets, being available.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that drug peddling cannot happen without police officers noticing, hence Station House Officers (SHOs), along with senior police officials, will be held accountable. He added that the government will look into strengthening the laws and will make changes or introduce new laws if necessary.
Siddaramaiah said drug-related crimes should be non-bailable, with punishments ranging from at least 10 years to life imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the crime. The government will also form a “student police” team made up of members from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the National Service Scheme (NSS) and Scouts and Guides.
He added that NGOs and residents’ associations will be involved in fighting the drug problem. Special courts will be appointed to handle drug peddling cases, and centres for de-addiction and rehabilitation will be strengthened. He also mentioned that criminal activities linked to drug use are increasing.