Hyderabad: Anti-narcotic agencies are facing a severe funds crunch. The Centre had launched a scheme to finance state governments to boost their enforcement capabilities to combat illicit trafficing in narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances in 2004, with a budget of just Rs 10 crore for the entire country. The scheme was extended twice by releasing another Rs 30 crore, effective till 2016-17.
Under the scheme, financial assistance was given to states for procuring laboratory equipment, vehicles for patrolling, surveillance and computers. All 28 states except the state of Telangana and five Union territories, excluding Andaman and Nicobar and Chandigarh, have set up the institutional mechanisms.
Financial assistance amounting to Rs 20.7 crore has been given so far. Assistance to AP was stopped after 2012. Telangana state is yet to receive any funds from the Centre under the scheme. The Anti- Narcotics Task Force comprising state and Central agencies is yet to be functional in Telangana state.
