New Delhi, July 25 -- Pharmacies and chemist shops across the nation will now be required to install CCTV cameras to strengthen efforts against drug and substance abuse by children.

The new mandate is a key part of a joint action plan developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD). Their directive urges states and Union Territories to prevent the sale of controlled substances-specifically Schedule H, H1, and X drugs-to minors.

Schedule H drugs are those that can be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. Schedule H1 includes specific third and fourth-generation antibiotics, some habit-forming drugs, and...