Shillong: The Meghalaya government is considering the implementation of vocational training programmes at rehab centres to help individuals undergoing rehabilitation from drug addiction reintegrate into society.
The initiative seeks to empower individuals recovering from substance abuse by providing them with vocational skills as well as to address the alarming relapse rates among youth recovering from substance abuse.
Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) mission director Francis Kharshiing on Friday held a consultative meeting with the professionals from various institutions such as Industrial Training Institutes, Meghalaya Skill Development, Bosco Integrated Development Society and other agencies to deliberate on the idea of imparting free vocational training to drug users at the state’s rehabilitation centres.
The discussions centered on the identification of suitable vocational courses, the establishment of partnerships with relevant institutions, and the allocation of adequate infrastructure and resources.
“Around 80% of drug users again get into drug addiction after coming out of the rehabilitation centres. I have come up with the idea of starting vocational training at the rehabilitation centres. This will engage the drug users in productive activities,” Kharshiing said.
He stated that the training provided would equip them with the necessary skills to secure sustainable livelihoods.
Renowned training institutions like the Skills Development Society, Industrial Training Institutes (ITI), BITS, Don Bosco Technical School, and the Ramakrishna Mission are expected to play a vital role in this initiative.
Kharshiing said, “Many of these training centres, like ITI, Skills Development Project of the Government of Meghalaya, Don Bosco Technical School, and Ramakrishna Mission, already provide free training. We thought of collaborating with these centres to introduce vocational training during rehabilitation. This could significantly transform their lives.”
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He said, “We will also have another round of meetings with various government departments such as Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary departments to provide training to the drug users.”
Kharshiing highlighted the multifaceted benefits of vocational training, stating that it could enhance self-esteem, foster independence, and empower individuals to become productive members of society.
