Distintegration of joint family behind drug menace: Prez

Four persons and organisations were on Wednesday conferred national awards for outstanding services in the field of prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse.

Presenting awards on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, President Pranab Mukherjee observed that the erosion of traditional social moorings and disintegration of joint family system have caused proliferation of the drug menace.

Addressing the function, Mukherjee said alcoholism and drug abuse have become a major social concern and India's vulnerable geographical position, placed between two drug-producing zones, increases the risk. He cautioned the younger generation about the health risks involved.