BUDGAM, OCTOBER 27: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Jatin Kishore, today chaired the 52nd District-Level Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) meeting at the Conference Hall, Budgam, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam, Hariprasad KK, to review measures being undertaken to combat drug abuse in the district.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed enforcement measures, awareness initiatives, treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and the progress achieved by various departments in addressing the drug menace.
He directed all concerned departments to strengthen interdepartmental coordination and intensify efforts towards prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation.
Emphasising the importance of awareness and prevention, the Deputy Commissioner called for intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, particularly among youth, students, families and vulnerable sections of society. He also directed strict surveillance around educational institutions and other vulnerable areas, stressing stringent legal action against those involved in drug abuse.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to convene reviews at the sub-divisional level to review the measures being taken to curb drug abuse, assess progress and ensure effective coordination among the concerned departments. He stressed the need for sustained monitoring and timely follow ups.
Reviewing the regulation of chemist shops, the Deputy Commissioner issued strict directions for their regular inspection, with particular focus on compliance with prescribed norms governing the sale and dispensing of medicines. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure 100 percent CCTV coverage and the implementation of computerised billing systems. He further instructed the authorities to take stringent action against violators, including the suspension or cancellation of licences and closure of establishments for violations.
He also stressed intensified efforts to identify and destroy illegal cultivation of cannabis, poppy and other prohibited crops through coordinated field-level action by the concerned departments.
Underscoring the importance of rehabilitation and social reintegration, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts being made to rehabilitate individuals recovering from drug addiction through Mission YUVA and other employment-oriented schemes. He emphasised the need to facilitate livelihood opportunities, skill development and sustainable employment for recovered individuals to help them lead dignified lives.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed the concerned departments to ensure timely identification, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care for persons affected by substance abuse, stressing that no individual in need should be left without appropriate support.
SSP Budgam, Hariprasad KK, emphasised the need for stronger coordination among departments and sustained enforcement against drug peddlers, traffickers and others involved in the illicit drug trade. He reiterated the importance of collective efforts to effectively tackle the drug menace.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah; Sub-Divisional Magistrates; Joint Director Planning; Chief Education Officer; Chief Medical Officer; Chief Agriculture Officer; District Social Welfare Officer; Assistant Drug Controller; BDOs. EOs, representatives from all colleges, and other concerned offices.
