GANGTOK, (IPR): In a move towards creating a drug-free Sikkim, State Social Welfare department launched ‘Nasha Mukt Sikkim’ campaign today.
The campaign, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” aims to tackle drug abuse through comprehensive educational programs, strict enforcement of regulations and community support.
The launching event at Chintan Bhawan here had SLA Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa as the chief guest, Social Welfare minister Samdup Lepcha, RDD minister Arun Kumar Upreti, deputy Speaker, Cabinet ministers, MLAs, DGP, HoDs of different departments, senior SP, DCs from all districts, SDMs, BDOs from different districts, medical officers, dignitaries, stakeholders and officials from different departments
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest said that drug use is an issue of paramount importance to the society that has devastating effects on individuals, families and communities. He stated that education and awareness are the first lines of defence against drug abuse and the government is committed to implementing comprehensive educational programs aimed at informing youth about the ill effects of drug use. He emphasized the pivotal role of civil society, school education and family in combating drug abuse, particularly among the youth underscoring that youth are the treasure of society and need proper guidance.
He expressed that the government’s approach to controlling drug use is multifaceted and requires the collective effort of government agencies, law enforcement, healthcare providers, community organizations and every citizen.
Minister Samdup Lepcha informed that the multi-faceted Nasha Mukt Sikkim campaign is designed to sustain momentum throughout the year, requiring the wholehearted support of all stakeholders to eradicate the drug menace from the State. “There is an alarming increase in drug use, especially among the youth. To counter this, we need a well-knit anti-drug strategy, he added.”
He pointed out that stricter regulations and enforcement are vital to curb the sale and distribution of drugs. He added that increased patrolling and surveillance in areas prone to drug activities, along with enhanced cooperation between local law enforcement and community organisations, will help reduce the drug menace.
He also suggested engaging youth and encouraging them in sports, arts and other constructive activities.
Pamin Lepcha, MLA-cum-advisor, Social Welfare department, urged all to support the Nasha Mukt Sikkim campaign for a drug-free State. Emphasizing the importance of awareness, education, rehabilitation and strict regulation, she highlighted the need for collective efforts from all sectors for the future of Sikkim's children and well-being.
Chief secretary VB. Pathak said, “Sikkim has been a torchbearer in many sectors like environmental issues, education, health and socio-economic upliftment. In spite of all these achievements our State is also not free from the serious issues ailing the society all over the world.”
He expressed that Nasha Mukt Sikkim campaign aims at understanding and formulating a comprehensive strategy aimed at mitigating drug abuse within the State of Sikkim. The need is felt to make a greater effort to generate awareness of the damaging effects of drug abuse in a sustained, continuous and result-oriented manner, he added.
He further said that in addition to the policy framework, it is imperative to simultaneously improve delivery mechanisms. Schemes and programmes should effectively reach the target groups through partnerships with the private sector and civil society keeping with the evolving needs of the vulnerable sections of the society, he added.
Social Welfare secretary Sarika Pradhan, in her PowerPoint presentation, provided an overview of the substance abuse in Sikkim. The presentation focused on four different action components identified after understanding the substance abuse landscape in Sikkim which are awareness, enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention. She informed that the department will work as a facilitator to conduct meetings and coordinate with all the stakeholders, the health department, and the education department in order to make this campaign a success.
Lastly, she added that the success of the campaign is dependent on proper coordination at the system level, programme level and field level.
Earlier, Dr Satish Rasaily, senior consultant, CAM, gave a presentation on the status of drug abuse and rehabilitation in Sikkim.
During the programme, social media pages of Nasha Mukt Sikkim was launched for mass awareness.
A grant-in-aid was presented to 10 de-addiction and detoxification centres.