Governor Bandaru Dattatraya today visited the Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Addicts (IRCA) at New Shimla operated by Himachal Pradesh Volunteer Health Association and interacted with the youth under treatment. The centre is aided by Government of India.On this occasion, the Governor advised the youth under treatment to stay away from evil of drug addiction and avoid company of people involved in such activities. He suggested them to do their best in their respective field after getting treatment from the centre. They also vowed before the Governor not to adopt this evil in future. The Governor expressed happiness over facilities of yoga, music and reading being provided at the centre. He said that awareness programs against drugs should be organized on a large scale across the state. He urged the Non Governmental Organizations to cooperate and come forward extensively to end this social evil.
Earlier, the Governor visited the wards and took stock of facilities being provided. P.R. Ramesh, President, Integrated Rehabilitation Center, Shimla and Secretary Mohan Lal apprised the Governor about the facilities being provided at the centre and also introduced the staff.On this occasion, Hans Raj, Director, Social Justice and Empowerment reported that four Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Addicts (IRCAs) at Nurpur, Dharamshala, Kullu and Shimla of 15 bedded each was being run by the State Government under the centrally sponsored "Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse and for Social Defense Services". These centers are also running in Nurpur, Dharamshala and Kullu.