International Day against Drug Abuse
State Drug Policy on the card: Nemcha
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, June 26 2020:
Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen today called for public support to address the issue of drug abuse in the State and added that to curb the drug menace, the State Government is presently focusing on finalising a State Drug Policy.
The Minister was speaking at the observation of "International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" held under the theme "Better Knowledge for Better Care" at her office chamber in the New Secretariat.
She said better understanding of the subject will foster greater cooperation in making the State safer from drug abuse, organized crime and other illegal activities.
She appealed all to inform the nearest police station or the Social Welfare Department through mobile number 7005018755 if they come across any drug user on the streets.
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Considering the vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Social Welfare Minister informed that the department in coordination with Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) is taking up various programmes targeting the street based drug users.
The programme will be implemented through the 22 IRCAs by reserving separate seats.
To curb the drug menace in the State, Nemcha informed that the State Government is presently focusing on finalisation of a State Drug Policy.
The Draft Policy will be made available in the public domain for views and ideas after due approval from the State Cabinet.
The Draft Policy has been drafted after several rounds of workshops, consultations, meetings with various NGOs, civil organizations, other line departments and stakeholders, she added.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on June 26 every year since 1989.The department of Social Welfare has been observing the day every year in coordination with NGOs, civil organizations to raise awareness.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the day is not widely observed this year.
Director Ng Uttam Singh, Deputy Director Konsam Saroja, officials of the department and members of NGOs also attended the programme.