Close to 40 to 70 per cent of street children across India are vulnerable to substance abuse. A Government report indicates that out of 4,024 children surveyed across 135 cities in 27 States, 22 per cent were street children who were victims of substance abuse.
The report prepared by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) which functions under the Woman and Child Development shows that close to 85 per cent of the street children who are into substance abuse are from urban areas.
Substance abuse was as high as 58.8 per cent in children who were not studying. Among the vulnerable population of substance users only 22.9 per cent went to regular school.
Tobacco use was found to be the most common addiction in children, followed by alcohol, inhalants (white ink, balms, pain relieving creams and deodorants) and cannabis.
Peer pressure was found to be the most pertinent force driving children into substance abuse. Another reason for children taking to addictions was easy availability of substances particularly tobacco and inhalants.
The study also highlighted that the susceptibility of street children to substance abuse, was much higher than those living with their families and going to school.
According to the study, the main reason for school going children and children living with their families taking to drugs is the influence of another family member who uses drugs, followed by family fights and abuse.
The study also highlights that the physical and social effects on the victims of substance abuse include physical violence, life threatening ailments, impaired performance, sadness and anxiety.
“The WCD ministry is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, namely, Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) from 2009-10 for children in difficult circumstances including children who are victims of substance abuse,” said Maneka Gandhi, WCD Minister in a written reply in the lok Sabha on Friday.
“Under ICPS, financial assistance is provided to States and Union territories for setting up shelter homes for such children to help them reintegrate into the mainstream society,” she said.
The WCD Ministry has also written to the Ministry of social justice and empowerment to help gauge the extent of the problem, particularly among children and take proactive measures.