By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 3 Jan: A review meeting was convened by the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights presided over by Chairperson Dr Geeta Khanna, here, today. The meeting was held at the ICDS Conference Hall, Nanda Ki Chowki, to discuss the prevention of drug abuse among children. The meeting was attended by officials from the Health Department, Drug Controller Department, Narcotics Control Bureau, Education Department, Women Welfare Department, Social Welfare Department, Police Department, Women Empowerment and Child Development Department, and the Chairperson of the Commission.
The following points were discussed during the meeting:
- Police Department: It was stated that intensive awareness campaigns for de-addiction are being conducted, which include the installation of banners, programmes, and street plays. The police emphasised that strict adherence to anti-drug regulations should be implemented in schools and colleges. Additionally, surveillance through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook is being used to monitor drug abuse.
- Drug Controller Department: The department reported that the process of digitisation has almost been completed, and cameras have been installed in all drug stores and medical outlets for surveillance. As a result, surveillance is being conducted and, in the past two to three months, at least one licence has been revoked every week.
- Narcotics Control Bureau: The Bureau shared that approximately 65 awareness programmes have been conducted in schools and colleges against drug abuse in 2024. They also provide regular training to the police and organise district-level meetings every month with the District Magistrate. State-level meetings are held every six months in the presence of the Chief Minister. Awareness programmes are being run through M Chasankham, and a toll-free helpline number, “Maanas Helpline No. 1933”, has been issued.
- Education Department: The department informed the meeting that awareness programmes related to de-addiction are being organised, including the installation of banners and events during morning assemblies in schools to raise awareness against drug abuse.
- Women Welfare and Social Welfare Departments: The departments informed that de-addiction centres for women have been established in Kotdwar and Haldwani. Additionally, de-addiction centres have been set up in state hospitals.
- NM (National Mission): A toll-free number, 14416, has been issued for schools and colleges for de-addiction support.
- ATF (Anti-Drug Task Force): The ATF shared that they are monitoring and preventing drug supply chains and are working on joint action plans with the Narcotics Control Bureau.
- Uttarakhand Forum for Crèche and Child Care Services: A meeting was held to ensure the welfare and protection of children aged 0-6 years of working women. It was decided that crèches should be established in all industrial units and offices.
The meeting was attended by the Commission’s Members Vinod Kaparwan, Dr Shiv Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary Dr SK Singh, and officials from all relevant departments.
