SRINAGAR, MAY 22: In a decisive move to strengthen the fight against substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today called for adopting a comprehensive roadmap and awareness mechanism in all educational institutions and coaching centres across Jammu and Kashmir to identify and prevent drug abuse among youth at an early stage.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on strengthening drug de-addiction, mental health awareness and rehabilitation measures at Civil Secretariat here today, the Minister emphasized that the growing threat of drug addiction among young people demands a coordinated and society-wide response involving government departments, educational institutions, parents, civil society and healthcare professionals.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez; Commissioner Secretary Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Director Social Welfare Kashmir/Jammu, Director School Education Jammu/Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir/Jammu, Director Colleges, Principals of all GMCs, Special Secretary Health and Medical Education, Joint Director Information (Hqrs), State Drug Controller, representatives of Civil Society Forum, Private Schools Association, Un-aided Private Schools Association and Private Coaching Centres Association, prominent citizens and other concerned stakeholders.
Addressing the participants in the meeting, the Minister directed the officers of School Education, Higher Education and Health departments to initiate structured awareness programmes in schools, colleges, universities and private coaching centres with the objective of early detection, timely counselling and rehabilitation of vulnerable students. She stressed that preventive intervention and awareness at the grassroots level are essential to protect the younger generation from falling prey to narcotic substances.
“Educational institutions are not merely centres of learning but also platforms for shaping responsible and healthy citizens. We must ensure that our campuses remain completely free from the influence of drugs and tobacco”, the Minister stated.
She directed the Commissioner Secretary Education to devise a proper roadmap for preventing and combating issues of drug menace in Educational institutions as well as coaching centres in coordination with other stakeholders.
Highlighting the need for a robust preventive framework, Sakeena Itoo instructed officials to intensify awareness campaigns focusing on the harmful effects of drug addiction, tobacco consumption and substance abuse. She asked the concerned stakeholders to involve Ulemas, Molvis, Masjid and Mohalla Committees in the awareness regarding impact of drug abuse on youngsters as a whole.
Taking serious note of the sale of tobacco in the vicinity of schools and colleges, the Minister issued strict directions to education department to coordinate with concerned agencies for the immediate closure of all shops and outlets found selling cigarettes and other tobacco products near educational institutions, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
She further directed enforcement agencies to carry out regular inspections and ensure strict compliance with anti-tobacco laws, particularly around schools and coaching centres, warning that violators should face stringent action.
She asked the departments concerned to collaborate with school administrations, youth organisations and healthcare experts for conducting regular counselling sessions, seminars and community outreach programmes across urban as well as rural areas.
The Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities across Jammu and Kashmir, while directing health officials to ensure accessible counselling services and treatment support for affected individuals and families.
Calling upon society to collectively address the menace, Sakeena Itoo reiterated the government’s commitment towards safeguarding the future of the youth and creating a healthier, drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez apprised the Minister about Whole-of-Government approaching on tackling this menace across Jammu and Kashmir. He informed the Minister about the Treatment and Stabilization, Reintegration and Livelihood Activation and Sustained Monitoring and Social Inclusion strategies for combating this menace.
Speaking during the meeting, noted Neurologist of J&K, Dr. Sushil Razdan said that young people are getting badly affected by this and doctors have prominent role to play in tackling this issue as they can pick the symptoms much early in the affected persons. He also called for de-stigmatisation of affected individuals.
Dr. Razdan also highlighted that doctors and medical professionals need to be careful about prescribing psychotic drugs and keep such patients under watch so that they don’t become addicts of any particular medicine.
During the meeting, representatives of Civil Society Forum, Private Schools Association, Un-aided Private Schools Association and Private Coaching Centres Association and other prominent citizens also gave their valuable suggestions for addressing this growing issue in the society.
