Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women (NCW), today paid a courtesy call on Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, at Punjab Lok Bhavan, Chandigarh. During the meeting, the two dignitaries exchanged views on issues concerning women's welfare, empowerment and safety. Special emphasis was laid on the growing challenge of substance abuse among girls and women and the need for focused interventions to address this emerging social concern.
They discussed the importance of strengthening awareness campaigns, preventive measures, counselling services and rehabilitation facilities for girls and women affected by drug addiction. The need for a coordinated approach involving government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations and community stakeholders to support rehabilitation and social reintegration was also highlighted.
The role of mothers and women within families in preventing drug abuse was also deliberated upon. It was emphasized that mothers are often the first to notice behavioural changes in children and can play a pivotal role in early intervention, guidance and creating a supportive family environment that discourages substance abuse.
The importance of empowering mothers through awareness and community engagement initiatives was underscored as an effective strategy in the fight against drugs. Shri Kataria appreciated the initiatives being undertaken by the National Commission for Women for safeguarding the rights of women and promoting gender equality across the country.
He emphasized that protecting young girls and women from the menace of drug abuse and ensuring effective rehabilitation support must remain a key priority, while recognizing the crucial role of mothers as agents of social change in building a drug-free society.