Work in unison to check drug abuse: Himachal Chief Secretary

Shimla, January 31

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena today stressed the need for all stakeholders working in unison to curb the growing menace of drug addiction. He presided over a workshop on drug demand reduction under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan organised by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment here today.

Providing counselling

The toll free drug prevention helpline number 1908 was in place so as to encourage the general public to share information about drug traffickers and provide counselling to drug addicts and their parents regarding de-addiction. Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary

He said the state government had adopted a zero tolerance policy against social evils like smuggling of psychotropic substances, drugs and ensured strict action against the producers and suppliers of drugs. “The toll free drug prevention helpline number 1908 was in place so as to encourage the general public to share information about drug traffickers and provide counselling to drug addicts and their parents regarding de-addiction,” he stated. The identity of the informers was being kept secret, he said.

He admitted that substance abuse was adversely affecting the youth. “A strategy has been adopted to curb the menace of substance abuse through preventive education, awareness generation, identification, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation, development of human resource for capacity building and reducing stigmatisation and discrimination,” he elaborated. All stakeholders must work in unison and share responsibilities accordingly, he emphasised.

Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, M Sudha Devi, said survey shows that different substances were being used by the drug addicts. She also highlighted various measures being taken by the department for prevention of such substance

Additional Sessions Judge and Special Judge, NDPS, Delhi, Arul Varma, stressed on a strong and effective strategy to curb the drug menace in the state. To reach out to those affected and also step-up prevention, this requires special attention in increasing community participation and public cooperation, he said.

ADGP Satwant Atwal said many innovative practices had been started by the police to check drug smugglers but there was a need for a comprehensive strategy for dealing with the menace of drug abuse.