Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

Recently, the Union Home Minister chaired the 9th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting underscores the government’s continued focus on combating the growing drug menace in India through coordinated institutional mechanisms.

About Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established in 2016 to improve coordination between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and State Governments in addressing drug trafficking and substance abuse.

In 2019, the mechanism was further strengthened through the introduction of a four-tier structure, making it more structured and operationally effective.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary objective of NCORD is to ensure holistic and coordinated action against drug trafficking and narcotics-related crimes.

It seeks to:

• Enhance cooperation between Central and State agencies.

• Facilitate real-time intelligence sharing.

• Improve communication among law enforcement and drug control authorities.

• Address both supply-side and demand-side aspects of the drug problem.

Thus, NCORD functions as a unified platform for multi-agency collaboration to combat narcotics.

Structure of NCORD

NCORD operates through a four-tier institutional framework, ensuring coordination from the national to the district level.

1. Apex-Level NCORD Committee

The Apex-Level Committee is headed by the Union Home Secretary. It provides overall policy guidance and strategic direction.

2. Executive-Level NCORD Committee

This committee is headed by the Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and is responsible for operational coordination and implementation of policy decisions.

3. State-Level NCORD Committees

These committees are headed by the Chief Secretaries of the respective States and ensure effective state-level monitoring and enforcement.

4. District-Level NCORD Committees

These committees are headed by the District Magistrates and focus on grassroots-level coordination, monitoring, and enforcement actions.

This layered structure ensures that anti-drug efforts are implemented systematically across all administrative levels.

Initiatives Linked to NCORD

1. NCORD Portal

The government has launched the NCORD portal to facilitate effective information exchange between various institutions and enforcement agencies. The portal enhances transparency, coordination, and monitoring of anti-narcotics actions.

2. MANAS Helpline (1933)

A toll-free helpline named MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) has been launched with the number 1933.

It enables citizens to:

• Report drug-related activities,

• Provide information anonymously,

• Seek help regarding substance abuse.

This initiative strengthens public participation in the fight against narcotics.

Significance

NCORD represents a comprehensive and institutionalised approach to tackling the drug menace in India. By ensuring coordination between the Centre, States, and district authorities, it strengthens India’s capacity to combat drug trafficking, dismantle organised networks, and move towards the goal of a drug-free society.