Seeks focus on counselling, youth engagement initiatives
Jammu : Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the District level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee to review the progress of ongoing initiatives and devise a comprehensive strategy to curb drug abuse in the district.
The meeting was attended by ADC Vishavjeet Singh; ASP Rahul Charak; CMO Dr Vijay Raina; ACD Akhil Sadotra; ACP Ajeet Kumar; Assistant Commandant 107 BSF Battalion, CAO, DIO, CEO, DSWO, Assistant Controller Drugs and other concerned officers.
The meeting was informed that paramedical staff and teachers are being trained as Counsellors through structured training being imparted to them in a phased manner. Nearly 200 individuals have already been trained at GMC Kathua to strengthen grassroots-level intervention, the meeting was told.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to ensure availability of at least 2–3 trained counsellors at each block, besides one trained teacher at every High and Higher Secondary School to guide and sensitize students against drug abuse.
Chief Education Officer Kewal Krishan informed that all 13 private coaching centres in the district have been equipped with CCTV surveillance, while government schools are being covered in a phased manner.
Stressing stringent enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Drug Control Department to intensify drives, conduct surprise inspections, maintain strict vigil on over-the-counter sale of drugs and ensure effective functioning of de-addiction OPD clinics.
The meeting also underscored the importance of sustained IEC activities under the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan along with enhanced youth engagement in sports to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Threadbare discussions were held on key issues including consolidation of data of offenders for punitive actions such as cancellation of licenses, regular monitoring of contraband cultivation, identification and surveillance of hotspots and surprise inspections of vulnerable areas.
The Deputy Commissioner further stressed robust coordination among Police, BSF, Health, Drug Control and School Education Departments to ensure a sustained and effective crackdown on drug abuse across the district.
