Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) framework at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Samba to review the implementation of anti-narcotics initiatives and strengthen the district's strategy to combat drug abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the decisions taken in previous NCORD meetings and assessed the progress achieved by various departments in the areas of enforcement, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and awareness.
Emphasising the need for a coordinated and result-oriented approach, the DC directed all stakeholder departments to intensify action against drug trafficking while simultaneously strengthening preventive interventions and public awareness initiatives.
She stressed that protecting youth from the menace of narcotics must remain a collective responsibility of all departments and institutions. The DC directed all departments to ensure effective implementation of the action points assigned to them and instructed officers to sensitise their employees about the harmful effects of drug abuse through regular awareness and counselling programmes.
She called upon every government office to actively contribute towards creating a drug-free society. Reviewing healthcare interventions, Ayushi Sudan instructed the Health Department to further strengthen the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at the District Hospital by ensuring quality treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services for individuals affected by substance abuse.
She also directed the Education Department to enhance the capacity of teachers and educational institutions through regular awareness and counselling programmes so that vulnerable students can be identified at an early stage and guided towards a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Highlighting the importance of community participation, the DC directed the concerned departments to organise intensive awareness campaigns across schools, colleges, Panchayats and other public institutions. She also called for the organisation of inter-departmental awareness programmes and mega camps under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, besides promoting sports, cultural, educational and youth engagement activities to encourage positive social participation among young people.
The DC further emphasised the need to widely publicize the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline (1933) to encourage citizens to anonymously report drug-related activities and support law enforcement agencies in curbing the menace.
Reiterating the administration's commitment to sustainable rehabilitation, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to facilitate employment, skill development and livelihood opportunities for recovering individuals through suitable government schemes, stating that lasting rehabilitation must be supported by economic empowerment and social reintegration.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, District Social Welfare Officer, Principals of Government Degree Colleges and senior officers from various departments.