Anantnag receives appreciation from MoSJE for commendable work under NMBA

ANANTNAG: On occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Thaawar Chand Gehlot Saturday congratulated and appreciated district Anantnag, among others, for commendable work under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

One of the Master Trainers of the Abhiyan/Programme from the district, among a total of five (05) from across the country, interacted with the minister through virtual mode.

Union Secretary MoSJE, made mention of Special Gram Sabhas, Pahalgam Cycloth on Event besides other awareness activities in schools and colleges held in Anantnag last year and praised their role in curbing the drug menace and substance abuse among the youth. He said such activities can be replicated with success in other parts of the country as well.

Speaking on the matter, the Deputy Commissioner/ District Magistrate, Chairman District Level Nasha Mukt Campaign Committee Anantnag, Dr. Piyush Singla hailed the collective work of officials of Social Welfare, ICDS, Education, Health, RDD and Police besides Civil Society, PRIs and other stakeholders for curbing drug addiction in the society.

He also called for adoption of a multipronged strategy of Information, Education and Communication activities, formation of student clubs and identification of adolescents and youth vulnerable to addiction through peer led intervention, counselling and treatment in rehabilitation centers/hospitals with proper monitoring besides strict legal action against drug peddlers for eradicating drug menace and substance abuse from the society.

Appealing to the public to bring instances of drug abuse to the notice of authorities, Dr. Singla said that people should feel it is their social and moral duty and promptly report such cases to civil/ police officials.

District Social Welfare Officer, Member Secretary District Level Nasha Mukt Campaign Committee, Nodal Officer Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in the district, Dr. Farhat informed that a series of outreach/awareness programmes under District Action Plan for last year were carried out by Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with concerned departments across the district.

He said efforts are being intensified to involve all stakeholders for community driven and community led de-addiction campaigns.