SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has asked the state government to clarify if over Rs 22 lakh sanctioned by the Centre for 2018-23 meant to reduce drug abuse, has been utilised or not.
The money was sanctioned to undertake programmes for preventive education and awareness generation on drug demand reduction.
Hearing a PIL in this regard, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice H. S. Thangkhiew, said that as far as National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction is concerned, it was stated in the affidavit filed on Thursday by the Joint Secretary, Social Welfare Department that a Task Force Committee report was sent to the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Centre had sanctioned Rs.22,50,000 for the years 2018-23 to undertake programmes for preventive education and awareness generation, capacity building and specific intervention programme on drug demand reduction.
The court said that a detailed action plan under NAPDDR (National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction) has been prepared which Social Welfare Department has forwarded to the Centre for release of remaining 50% fund.
According to the court, it is not clear as to whether the released amount of Rs.22,50,000 has been utilized for the purpose or not and ‘the same is required to be clarified by Social Welfare Department’.
The Amicus Curiae in compliance to the order earlier this month for advancing social cause, has shown keen interest and in the process has inspected de-addiction centres and OST ( Opioid Substitution Therapy) centres.
The order stated that a comprehensive report regarding actual facts about working of de-addiction centres and OST centres has been mentioned therein, with some recommendations.
“ We are really dismayed about the ground reality which Amicus Curiae has taken note of and brought to the notice of this court in his detailed report,” the court said.
Before passing any order, the court directed the respondent authorities to file their response within 10 days.
The court also added they are at the liberty to take all necessary action whatever required for prevention and for making de-addiction centres more effective.
The court also said necessary measures should be taken for avoiding unfortunate situation regarding use of drug as highlighted in the report.
The matter has been listed for hearing after 10 days.
