SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s success in combating drug menace has surpassed the national average by a significant margin, declared Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
With a success rate of 20%, Meghalaya stands 15% higher than the national mark of 5%, Lyngdoh told the press on Monday, attributing this success to the collaborative efforts of self-help groups (SHGs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and traditional institutions.
Minister Lyngdoh stressed on the importance of increased interaction and coordination among line departments to strengthen the fight against drugs, particularly in East Jaintia Hills, which serves as the entry point for the Khasi-Jaintia region.
“Increasing manpower and enhancing the performance of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in East Jaintia Hills is crucial,” stated Lyngdoh, noting that recruitment of police and home guards for anti-narcotics activities is underway.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to combat drug abuse, Lyngdoh also announced the release of Rs 15.65 lakh as the second instalment funding to the Mawlai Town Dorbar for rehabilitation of drug addicts.
This follows an earlier allocation of Rs 6 lakh to the Dorbar, which spearheaded an anti-drug campaign and initiated rehabilitation efforts for addicts in the locality.
Following a meeting with the Dorbar, Minister Lyngdoh commended their efforts in accommodating and providing counselling and livelihood programmes to around 30 drug addicts.
The residents, supported by the government, received guidance on coping with post-addiction challenges.
“Our DREAM (Drug Reduction and Action Mission) project aims to incentivise the Home Department and engage with volunteer defence personnel (VDPs) to bolster police initiatives,” said Lyngdoh.
Meghalaya, with over 12 lakh male and female drug users, continues to pursue multifaceted approaches, including community involvement, to steer addicts away from harmful habits.
