Convener News Desk
Bandipora, January 12: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Bandipora, organised a series of youth awareness programmes under the DAWN Scheme (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation – For a Drug-Free India) at Bandipora, Sumbal and Gurez in connection with the observance of National Youth Day.
Held in compliance with the directions of Member Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority, Shazia Tabasum, the programmes were conducted under the chairpersonship of Jeema Bashir and the guidance of Secretary, DLSA Bandipora, Sheikh Baber Hussain, in accordance with the guidelines of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
At Bandipora, the programme was organised in collaboration with Pursuit Academy, where students were sensitised about the growing menace of drug abuse, its adverse impact on physical and mental health, and the importance of informed and responsible decision-making. Legal provisions relating to drug abuse, particularly the stringent clauses of the NDPS Act and the consequences of violations, were explained. The role of legal services institutions in providing free legal aid, counselling and rehabilitation support was also highlighted, along with information on national helpline numbers for assistance.
Advocate Iqbal Rubbani Bhat, Deputy LADC Bandipora, and Advocate Abid Hussain, Assistant LADC Bandipora, acted as resource persons at the Bandipora programme and interacted with students, addressing their queries and explaining legal aspects in simple terms.
Similar awareness programmes were organised by the Taluk Legal Services Committee (TLSC) Sumbal at J&K Educational Society and Social Welfare Trust, Sumbal, where Advocate Tasleema Jaan, panel lawyer, sensitised participants on drug abuse prevention and legal awareness. At Gurez, TLSC Gurez conducted an awareness programme at Vision Institute, Dawar, with PLVs Rayees Raziq Lone and Bilal Ahmad interacting with students on the ill effects of drug abuse and the importance of legal awareness.
The management and staff of the respective institutions extended cooperation for the smooth conduct of the programmes, which witnessed active participation from students and faculty. The sessions concluded with an appeal to the youth to stay away from drugs and play a positive role in building a healthy and drug-free society.
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