Raj to ask UNO to extend its deadline for poppy husk use

Rajasthan government today told legislative Assembly that it will appeal the UNO to extend its deadline for ending the use of poppy husk as narcotics in the state for five more years.
During the Zero Hour, Medical and Health Minister R S Rathor said as per the UNO guidelines and restriction, the use of doda post (poppy husk) as narcotics was to be ended by March 31, 2015, but the state government will submit an appeal demanding five more years for its use.
Besides, under the NDPS Act, there was a provision to ban it, the minister said on an issue raised by BSP MLA Manoj who alleged that poppy husk was sold at a very high prices to users.

On this, the minister assured that only valid licence holders will be allowed to supply poppy husk and its prices will be checked.
He said a team of AIIMS in 2009 found that its addiction was very harmful for human beings.
There have been 17,400 permit holders in the state since 2001 and there will be no renewal, he said.
About 13,209 quintal poppy husk is produced every year and 9,840 quintals are already lying in the store, he said.
The minister said use of poppy husk is now a common addiction among rural folks in the state and added that 648 de-addiction camps in 17 district hospitals will be organised.