SHILLONG : The West Khasi Hills District Administration, in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office and various government departments, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 with an awareness programme at St. Francis D’Assisi College, Siejlieh.
Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak, IAS, attended the programme as the chief guest, while District Social Welfare Officer D. Pakyntein welcomed the gathering and underlined the importance of collective action in tackling drug abuse. She said the observance serves as a reminder that building a drug-free society requires the active participation of government departments, village authorities, educational institutions and families, particularly in protecting young people from substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, Hema Nayak stressed the importance of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign), noting that Meghalaya has one of the country’s largest youth populations. She said drug addiction should not be viewed merely as a personal habit but as a serious social issue that affects health, education, employment opportunities and the overall development of society.
The Deputy Commissioner also expressed concern over the increasing number of HIV cases in the state and observed that substance abuse could be one of the factors contributing to declining participation in higher education. She said the district administration, along with different government departments, has been working continuously to reduce drug dependency and rehabilitate affected individuals through training programmes conducted in partnership with village authorities.
Calling for greater public participation, Nayak urged people across villages and localities to work together against the drug menace. She also encouraged students to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign by spreading awareness among their peers and within their communities.Speaking on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, the Deputy Commissioner said that despite Meghalaya being a matrilineal society, the number of women pursuing higher education continues to decline after school. She said the campaign is not only about ensuring girls attend school but also about empowering them to excel in higher education, leadership and decision-making.
The programme also featured technical sessions by Chief Judicial Magistrate D.M.K.S. Shadap, who explained the legal provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Circle Inspector T.R. Marak spoke on the enforcement of the NDPS Act, while Clinical Psychologist A. Lyngkhoi highlighted the psychological effects of substance abuse on individuals and society.
The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates to winners of slogan writing, poster-making and drawing competitions. Students, teachers and officials participated actively in the awareness programme.