Bhubaneswar: Drug addiction is emerging to be a serious problem in the country having dangerous consequences not just for the person using drugs, but for the family and society at large.
Prevention has proven to be the most effective strategy to counter this problem. An integrated and convergent approach to fight the drug menace is emphasised in the State level meeting of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, today.
Organised by Social Security and Empowerment of PwDs Department, the meeting discussed various aspects of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the State. It is said that the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), an umbrella scheme which includes components for preventive education and awareness generation, capacity building, treatment and rehabilitation, setting quality standards, focused intervention in vulnerable areas, skill development, vocational training and livelihood support of ex-drug addicts, surveys, studies, evaluation and research.
Projects and schemes are funded for implementation and initiatives towards the drug demand reduction in the country are carried out through various agencies. The role of NGOs, trusts and autonomous organizations, technical forums, hospitals and prison administrations is also significant in the drive speakers said.
Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary, SSEPD emphasized on a social media campaign to substantiate awareness drive and to involve sports persons, leaders, youth icons, voluntary agencies and civil societies in the drive.
Soumendra Priyadarshi, Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack said that the student community should be initiated as volunteers in the drive. He stressed government and non-government interventions for monitoring, enforcement and prevention activities.
In Odisha, 15 districts in the first phase were covered under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan which is now extended to all the districts. Awareness campaigns through competitions have been completed in 10 districts while around 500 master volunteers have been trained to participate in the drive.
S K Pradhan, Additional Secretary, SSEPD gave a short presentation on the Department’s activities while Niyati Patnaik, Director gave the introductory address.
Senior officers from government departments, representatives from different NGOs, social workers, retired administrators, clinical psychologists, lawyers and volunteers participated in the discussion.
