The National Service Scheme unit of Government Degree College, Kathua organized a valedictory function on culmination of 7 day NSS special camp in Government Middle School, Changran here today.Minister for Health & Medical Education and ARI & Trainings Ch. Lal Singh was chief guest on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion Ch. Lal Singh congratulated NSS volunteers on organizing such a programme. The Minister said through such events students get a firsthand experience of village life and their problems. The Minister also directed Principal , GDC Kathua to organize more such camps in future in far flung villages to get better insight of village life and also to spread awareness regarding various welfare schemes.The Health Minister said that our society is facing serious consequences due to the menace of drug abuse which undermines socio-economic and sustainable development. Besides, it also distorts the health fabric of the society and is the root cause of petty offences as well as heinous crimes including smuggling of drugs and other social evils, he added. Lal Singh further said that drug trafficking and abuse has also continued to take its toll on valuable human lives.
The Minister said that the district police should carry out an extensive campaign against drug peddlers to curb the menace and to create awareness regarding ill effects of drug abuse. He added that the persons involved in trafficking of contraband substances should be dealt with severity.The Minister also urged the college students to organize blood donation camps in order to render an invaluable service to the society and save lives through blood donation. He said that the Government is taking steps to improve Blood Bank facilities in terms of equipment and trained personnel in districts across the state.Principal GDC Kathua Dr. Netar Singh and NSS Programme officer, GDC Kathua Dr. Ram Singh also spoke on the occasion.Earlier the Health Minister inaugurated a fitness centre in Kathua. Director Health , B S Pathania , Director Family welfare Dr. Baldev Sharma , Controller , Drugs and Food Control Organization J&K , Lotika Khajuria , CEO Kathua , Balbir Singh , Additional SP , Kathua , Nasir Khan , Dr. Rachna Bhagat, Sarpanch, Panch and villagers were present on the occasion.