The Union Cabinet is slated to discuss three major policy issues on Thursday -- from enactment of new legislation of benami transaction bill 2011, a Memorandum of Understranding with Pakistan on Drug Demand Reduction, and prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs.
The Cabinet will also discuss the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement with the United States. Details of the MOU with Pakistan on narcotic illicit trafficking details are reproduced below:
Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and Government of Pakistan on Drug demand Reduction and prevention of illicit trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Pshchotropic Substances and precursor chemicals and related matters.
Sandwiched between two of the major illicit opium producing regions in the world namely the golden crescent -- Afghanisthan, Pakistan and Iran and Golden triangle Myanmar, Thaland and Laos -- India has been a victim of illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs originating from these areas, which transit through the country.
On the other hand, India is the only legal supplier of opium gum to the world for medical and scientific purposes.
Besides, the country also has a thriving pharmaceutical industry, many of which make use of narcotic drugs for making medicines.
Accordingly, an effective legal and administrative setup has been put in place in the country to prevent abuse and trafficking of narcotic drugs and pshychotropic substances, while, at the same time, ensuring their availability for medical and scientific purposes.
