Continuing the ongoing efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, District Administration Bandipora on Thursday organised an interaction programme with Youth Clubs to strengthen community participation and youth engagement in the fight against drug abuse.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of building a strong mind among youth through positive engagement and constructive activities. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need for establishing and strengthening knowledge centres to channelise the energy of youth towards education, creativity and personality development.
The DC also urged parents to actively engage with their children through prayers, sports activities and spending quality time with children, stating that stronger family bonding and communication play an important role in preventing substance abuse among youngsters.
To ensure regular interaction and coordination with youth groups, the Deputy Commissioner directed all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to convene meetings with Youth Clubs at least once every month. She encouraged participants to remain actively involved in the campaign against drug abuse and report any issue requiring administrative intervention.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that Youth Clubs shall serve as a vital bridge between youth, vulnerable individuals, and the Waqar Knowledge Centres. She informed participants that as part of the anti-drug initiative one such centre is nearing completion and will soon be operationalised at the Mini Secretariat, while four more centres will be developed in the coming time with an eventual target of one such centre in each Rural Block.
These centres will function as hubs of knowledge, recreation, and information, providing meaningful avenues for youth and vulnerable sections of society through constructive engagement, awareness, and personal development. The programme focused on creating awareness regarding the harmful effects of substance abuse, implementation of the COTPA Act, and the need for sustained collective action to safeguard future generations from the menace of drugs.
During the interaction, emphasis was laid on the active role of Youth Clubs in spreading awareness at the grassroots level and promoting a healthy and drug-free society. Participants were informed that women are also increasingly becoming victims of substance abuse and, in some cases, involved in peddling activities, which calls for stronger community vigilance and awareness.
The programme concluded with a collective resolve to continue sustained efforts towards building a drug-free and socially responsible society under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. Among others, the Interaction was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Deputy DEO, District Information Officer, Block Development Officers and youth Club Members.