By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 20: First-time MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang from the Voice of the People Party (VPP), on Wednesday asked the government to set up a de-addiction centre at his constituency, Mawlai.
Speaking on the floor of the House in this regard during the Question Hour, Marbaniang said the government has proposed to set up five new de-addiction centres across districts, but East Khasi Hills does not figure in the proposal.
He requested the state government to accommodate East Khasi Hills, particularly Mawlai, in the proposal for new centres.
“I request the minister concerned if possible to set up one de-addiction centre in my constituency since Mawlai has become one of the hotbeds of drug users,” the VPP MLA said.
He expressed that a de-addiction centre in Mawlai would help the economically weaker section of people.
Marbaniang also observed that the menace of drugs in the state is not confined to urban pockets only.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Ronnie V Lyngdoh acknowledged government’s initiative of setting up de-addiction centres across the state.
He however said that de-addiction and rehabilitation centres are two different institutions. “A person cannot be put in a rehabilitation centre unless he is de-addicted,” Lyngdoh said.
He noted that a lot of youths are going through a very difficult phase in life because of drug addiction.
In reply, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh assured the MLA of Mawlai that the government will examine his request.
“We would like to focus on having dedicated women de-addiction centres because there is no such facility in the entire state, as far as I know,” the Health minister said.
Lyngdoh said that the government will support all centres such as SANKER and others which are already functioning.
She reiterated that the matter raised by Mawlai MLA has been duly noted.
With regard to the proposed de-addiction centres, Lyngdoh said three of them will be managed by government officials.
She further spoke about the project DREAM, stating that it is a very focused and integrated endeavour.
It may be recalled that the Meghalaya government had launched the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) in June this year, reaffirming its commitment to eradicate drug menace in the state.