District Administration Budgam today marked the successful commencement of a comprehensive Training and Capacity Building Programme under the Nasha Mukht Abhiyan, reaffirming its commitment to building a drug-free society through strengthened grassroots interventions.
The inaugural session was organized under the guidance of the District Administration Budgam and coordinated by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer Budgam. The programme witnessed active participation of counselors from the Education Department, who played a pivotal role in identifying, guiding, and supporting vulnerable youth across the district.
The event was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, the DC underscored the need for a coordinated, sustained, and multi-pronged approach to curb the growing menace of substance abuse.
He reiterated the administration’s zero-tolerance policy against drug peddling, emphasizing that strict and decisive action will be taken against those involved in the illegal drug trade. The DC further stressed the importance of a balanced approach, highlighting the need for rehabilitation, counseling, and community support systems to ensure effective recovery and reintegration of affected individuals into society.
On the occasion , the DC administered a pledge, wherein all participants resolved to work collectively towards making Budgam a drug-free district. The pledge reflected a shared commitment to intensify awareness, prevention, and intervention efforts at every level of society.
The DC said that the training programme is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills related to early identification of substance abuse, counseling techniques, community outreach, and effective intervention strategies. He said that the District Administration is committed towards implementing the objectives of the Nasha Mukht Abhiyan in letter and spirit, emphasizing the critical role of counselors and frontline workers as key agents of change in society.
He added that the programme will continue over the coming days with focused modules aimed at building a robust, responsive, and community-driven framework to effectively tackle substance abuse across the district. The DC said that District Administration is working in close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure a healthier, safer, and drug-free future for the youth and the society at large.
Also, Resource Persons elaborated on the social, psychological, and economic dimensions of drug abuse, while interactive sessions ensured active engagement and exchange of ideas among participants. Besides, ADC Budgam , PO ICDS, DSWO, others senior officers also participated in the event.