THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 29: Nudged by the Jharkhand High Court, the State government today decided to launch a week-long campaign to prevent the production and consumption of drugs in the state. An orientation programme was organised today to work in this direction.
Chief Secretary L Khiyangte, on this occasion, said that the production and consumption of drugs in the state is a stigma. “We have to erase this stigma. There is a need to focus on schools and colleges. Every person in the society will also have to play an important role in the direction of its prevention,” he said.
Need to take effective steps to ban drug abuse: Vandana Dadel
While addressing the programme, Home Secretary Vandana Dadel said that Jharkhand has always been under the scanner for opium production. “Its production and consumption have increased. Many times, the High Court has taken cognisance and directed action. According to Jharkhand Police, about 2,024 cases have been reported in the last five years, while about 4,949 people have been arrested in the said cases. Action is being taken through the Anti-Narcotics Task Force. Opium production and consumption have been recorded the most in Chatra, Palamu, Latehar and Ranchi. Long-term plans have been prepared to solve this problem,” she pointed out.
Also Read: Jharkhand Weather: Severe heat wave alert in Palamu, Garhwa and Chatra today
She said that the biggest challenge before the education department is to make all schools and colleges drug-free zones. “At the same time, the Social Welfare Department has to work for rehabilitation and there is a need to build counselling centres,” she added.
Efforts to prevent production of narcotics: DGP
State DGP Ajay Kumar Singh said that there is information about large-scale opium production in some districts of Jharkhand. “Efforts are being made to prevent opium production in those districts. NCB and the Crime Investigation Department are working together in this direction,” he added.
Health Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the Health Department is serious about preventing drug abuse in the state. Work will be done in this direction by coordinating with all the departments.
Action plan ready, need for awareness among children: Rahul Purwar
Principal Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department Rahul Purwar said that work is being done to prevent the ill effects of drugs among students. “An action plan has been prepared for awareness around educational institutions. Awareness programmes will be run in collaboration with law students,” he added.
Manoj Kumar, Secretary, School Education and Literacy Department said that due to the availability of drugs and lack of awareness, cases of drug addiction are being seen among children studying in schools and colleges. “There is a need to run awareness programmes in this direction. Therefore, awareness programmes will be run through various activities from June 19 to June 26 and many programmes will be organized on World Anti-Drug Day on June 26,” he added.
Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau, Abhishek Anand, highlighted the functioning of the Narcotics Control Bureau through a presentation.
Representatives of various NGOs expressed their views on the occasion and also described the need for civil society organizations for the prevention of drugs as important.
