SHILLONG:Â The state government has set aside funds to rehabilitate the menace of drug abuse in the state, even as incidents of drug addiction is increasing in the East Khasi Hills District of the state.
Speaking to reporters on the sideline of an anti-drug abuse rally which was participated by school students, district social welfare officer, Matti Z Lyngdoh said, “We allot maximum funds to rehabilitate drug addicts. However, substance abuse is on the rise no matter how much effort we put in to fight drug addiction.”
She further informed, “We are extending fund assistance to NGOs that run rehabilitation centers.”
Five Schools under Madanriting, eight faith based organizations and NGOs under Madanriting participated in the rally organised by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), police department. The rally was kicked off from Madanriting Police Station till EFCI hall at Demthring on Friday as part of the observation of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
When asked about the plan for establishing juvenile rehabilitation centers, Lyngdoh said, “At present, there is no juvenile rehabilitation center. The department will look into the issue of rehabilitating juveniles separately.”
She added that youth in the age group of 15-29 years are vulnerable to get into drug addiction.
Officer-in-Charge of Madanriting Police Station, O Syiemlieh pointed out various factors that lured youth to drug addiction. He said, “It is a social problem. School drop outs, children that come from broken families who are deprived of love, counselling are susceptible to fall into the temptation of drugs.”
