RAJOURI, JUNE 16: Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who is also District Mentor under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), today reviewed the progress achieved under the ongoing 100 day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Campaign during a meeting held here.
Dr. Shahid Iqbal stressed the need for active youth engagement, robust data management and continuous monitoring to ensure success of the campaign. He emphasized that the privacy and confidentiality of data related to affected individuals must be maintained at all levels. He observed that the 100-day campaign serves as a catalyst towards a larger objective and called for formulation of long-term sustainable measures to effectively combat drug abuse.
Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, Dr. Shahid Iqbal directed the concerned departments to ensure proper follow-up and tracking of individuals after treatment so that recovery remains sustainable. He underscored the need to transform the initiative into a lasting movement rather than a short-term intervention.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, presented a detailed account of the district’s efforts under the campaign. He informed that a comprehensive youth engagement strategy has been devised which is being implemented vigorously across the district. He elaborated on the mechanisms adopted for identification, counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of substance abuse.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that two de-addiction centres are presently functional in the district including one at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri with a 20-bedded facility and another at the Old Hospital Rajouri. He stated that the systematic counselling services are being provided and day-wise analysis of cases is being conducted to monitor the progress. Individuals requiring advanced care are being shifted to IPD services for better treatment outcomes, he added.
The meeting was informed that extensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are being conducted to generate mass awareness against drug abuse. Multiple departments have actively contributed to the campaign. Schools and educational institutions have been mobilized through sports and recreational activities, including chess, volleyball and other competitions. A recently organized night tournament at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Rajouri received an encouraging response from the youth.
The Deputy Commissioner further highlighted the active participation of Mahila Nigrani Samitis in community-level monitoring and awareness generation. Special training programmes have also been conducted for the counsellors to strengthen rehabilitation services. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to connect recovered youth with skill development initiatives and gainful employment opportunities, he added.
It was informed that more than 3.62 lakh events and activities have been conducted under the campaign so far, covering all the Panchayats across the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar, briefed the meeting on the enforcement measures undertaken against drug trafficking and peddling. He informed that strict legal action has been initiated against the offenders, resulting in cancellation of 16 driving licences, 12 vehicle registrations and attachment of four immovable properties linked to drug-related activities. He also presented a detailed account of FIRs registered against drug peddlers and other enforcement actions carried out by the police.
Appreciating the coordinated efforts of the district administration, police, health department, educational institutions and community stakeholders, Dr. Shahid Iqbal urged all the stakeholders to continue working with commitment and synergy to achieve the vision of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by ADDC; ADC; ADC Nowshera; ADC Kalakote; SDM Thanamandi; Chief Planning Officer; Assistant Commissioner Development; District Social Education Officer; Chief Medical Officer; ARTO and other concerned officers.
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