Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 5 : In an effort to combat drug abuse and foster unity among stakeholders, the Social Welfare Department of Meghalaya, as part of the recently launched Dream Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM), organized a programme in an attempt to bring unity amongst community stakeholders in the fight against drugs today . December 5th, 2023, at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, here.
CM Conrad K Sangma attended the event as the Chief Guest, alongside Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, IAS, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Principal Secretary, Home (Police) Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sampath Kumar, IAS, among other senior officials from various line departments.
As an integral aspect of the Community-State led initiative among stakeholders to combat the drug menace, community members including faith-based leaders and Rangbah Shnongs, Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei along with Synjuk Ki Dorbar united in a symbolic gesture by signing the Community Accord. This important moment also witnessed the participation of two young individuals currently on the path to recovery, embodying the shared commitment to overcoming challenges posed by drug addiction in the region. During the programme, the State government also extended financial support to the Mawlai Dorbar, contributing 6 lakh rupees towards the rehabilitation camp, initiated by the Dorbar, in an attempt to encourage such initiatives from other Dorbars and areas across the State.
Chief Guest , Conrad K Sangma stated that youth are the greatest resource of the State and that the governance system is centered around youth to foster a regenerative economy. He emphasized that the State has adopted a lifecycle approach whereby interventions are being implemented right from the stage of preconception stage to the early childhood and adolescent phase to ensure a holistic and all round development of children, adolescent and youth for them to grow up into well rounded adults, and become an asset to the economy.
He went on to cite the examples of the ongoing government programmes like the grassroots music programme, CM-Elevate Programme as well as the PRIME entrepreneurship programme are all aimed at creating opportunities for the youth. He said the launch of the DREAM project is a significant moment and is an important part of the government’s larger policy focused on the youth. He went on to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the community led organizations as well as faith based organizations for actively being part of the State’s vision of making Meghalaya a drug free State. He added that the DREAM mission is a collaborative endeavor whereby the Police Department, the Social Welfare Department, the health and family welfare department along with the community and faith based organizations are working together to implement a collective vision.
He also appreciated the tireless efforts of the NGOs, religious organizations as well as community organizations for their dedication and commitment and extended all support on behalf of the government to curb the menace of drugs among youth of the State.
Further, the Chief Minister also announced that the upcoming Meghalaya games will be aligned in a manner so as to keep the youth engaged. He said that apart from just hosting games, the traditional sports of khasi Jaintia and Garos will be included so that the youth can learn and revive old tribal sports and be reminded that tribals were always linked to sports.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. L.R Bishnoi, Director General of Police (DGP), Meghalaya expressed the police force’s commitment to community engagement and highlighted the severity of the drug-related challenges faced by Meghalaya. Referring to a nationwide survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice in 2019, he shared alarming statistics, revealing that the number of drug users in India had surged from 7.5 crores to an estimated 10 crores. He emphasized Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s deep concern for addressing the drug-related issues prevalent in the state. He highlighted Meghalaya’s geographical proximity to the notorious Golden Triangle, a region known for the production and trafficking of opium and heroin, making the state particularly vulnerable.
Providing a snapshot of the current situation, Dr. Bishnoi disclosed that Meghalaya had witnessed 116 drug-related cases and arrested 234 peddlers in 2022. Additionally, 349 cases of drug trafficking were reported so far, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of various narcotics, including 60.7 kgs of heroin and 7.5 kgs of Yaba tablets. He underscored the need for heightened awareness and prevention efforts, citing toxic domestic environments and academic pressures as significant contributors to the youth turning to substance abuse. The DGP commended the ongoing awareness programs and said that nearly 1800 awareness programmes have already been conducted across the State.
While addressing the gathering, State Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh stated that the government had been actively pursuing the DREAM Mission together with the Social Welfare Department and other line departments. On the signing of the accord, the Minister stated that this is a unique accord that is being signed by people who have come together, to dream together and to share the ideal of pulling Meghalaya out of the nightmare of drug addiction and a state of slumber.
He also states that the State poses a challenge of falling under the influence and periphery of the Golden Triangle and sought the collaborative support of all stakeholders to make Meghalaya drug free at the earliest. He expressed his gratitude to faith leaders, Rangbhas, NGOs, and the collaborative efforts of the Mawlai Dorbar, while appreciating the role of various stakeholders in building a society where individuals, especially the youth are viewed as assets.
Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya Social Welfare Department, highlighted the State’s commitment to human capital-centric development, and expressed the urgency of initiatives to propel the mission forward. He emphasized the need to nurture resources and build capacity through various programs.
‘’The state is actively engaged in projects addressing mental health, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy”, he said, while outlining the State’s innovative approach to leverage programs, including the recently launched DREAM mission.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Pravin Bakshi, I.A.S., Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, expressing gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and contributors for their dedicated efforts towards the success of the event.
GS of the Meghalaya Users Forum, a resilient individual living with HIV who successfully overcame drug addiction, reflected on the negative portrayal of users in the media, he emphasized the importance of adopting a positive outlook. Having completed rehabilitation at the Kripa Foundation in 2007, he shed light on the high costs associated with rehabilitation centers. Despite the challenges, he also shared inspiring success stories that often go unnoticed in the state.
“I want to emphasize the critical role of community involvement in our collective fight against drug addiction. I commend the government for its proactive measures and empowering laws, which have been instrumental in addressing this issue,’’ the General Secretary added.
The programme also witnessed song presentations from children of Rehabilitation Centres, testimonials from sobriety users and a codependent mother. A video clip on community managed rehabilitation camp and a song presentation by Carmel B Dohling were also part of the programme.
