The state cabinet on Wednesday approved a financial grant of Rs 13.70 crore for the implementation of the Centre-sponsored National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) scheme. The scheme will be in force till 2023, and the central government will reimburse the entire expenditure to the states.

A note from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said the consumption of banned substances has been increasing. “The prominent reasons that cause the condition are — mental stress, lifestyle change, and social and economic distress. So, it is pertinent to devise a plan to reduce the problem. The government also feels the need to have preventive measures to prevent people from drug and alcohol abuse. The Social Justice Department will implement the action plan,” it said.