Social Justice Deptt constitutes Drug-free Campaign Committee

 

 

TO REDUCE the rate of addiction in the country, a programme to combat drug abuse is being implemented. As a part of this programme, Maharashtra’s Social Justice Department has constituted a State-level drug-free campaign committee headed by its Principal Secretary. June 26 is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The said Drug Abuse Prevention Day is organised in the country as part of the Drug Free India campaign programme, both in person and online, in all the schools and educational institutions in the State. The main objective is to create awareness on a large scale about the dangers of drug abuse and its harmful effects in the State. The matter of constituting a State-level Drug Free Campaign Committee under the Drug Free India Campaign was under the consideration of the Government.

 

In order to outline the programme under the Drug-Free India Campaign Programme and organise the programme successfully, the State Level Drug Free Campaign Committee has been constituted. The committee will be headed by Principal Secretary, Social Justice Department. Social Welfare Commissioner will be its Member Secretary. It has Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department; Principal Secretary, School Education Department; Principal Secretary, Women and Child Welfare Department; Secretary, Public Health Department; Additional Director General of Police, Directorate General of Police, Mumbai; Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Mumbai; Director General, Directorate General of Information and Communications, Mumbai; Member of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB); person nominated by the Department of Voluntary Organisations working in the field of anti-narcotics; retired senior Government officer nominated by the Principal Secretary in the field of anti-drugs; State level machinery of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India; State Coordinator of the PMU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will all be the members. Welcoming this decision, noted Psychiatrist Dr Nikhil Pande said, “Drug addiction is becoming a serious social problem in India. Addiction is having serious consequences not only for the individual but also for the family and society. Prevention is considered the only effective solution for getting rid of addiction. We witness many patients, especially youngsters, falling prey to addiction. When the addiction reaches a certain level, a major crime follows. This committee should take all points into account and take measures accordingly to benefit the society as a whole.” Dr Rajesh Sawarbandhe, President of Indian Medical Association, Nagpur branch said, “Last time, Government had prohibited cigarette, tobacco sale within the close vicinity of educational institutions. What happened to it? Unfortunately it was not implemented strictly. Government has to take strict measures. Then only, it would give results. This committee has all the policymakers who can implement certain rules strictly, we hope.”