The drug issue is also very serious and alarming. In Delhi, people are discussing it,
and alcoholism is another critical social issue
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 24: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday suggested that the state government establish a centre of the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) in Meghalaya to enable research-driven solutions to pressing social issues such as single motherhood, drug abuse, and alcoholism.
“I met Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh out of concern for reports about the condition of our state, where 41 per cent of households are female-headed, and 42 per cent of the population lives in these households,” said VPP parliamentarian from Shillong, Rick J Syngkon.
He further added, “The drug issue is also very serious and alarming. In Delhi, people are discussing it, and alcoholism is another critical social issue. I am deeply concerned.”
Syngkon suggested that Meghalaya could benefit from establishing a centre for the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), which would allow for thorough research into these challenges. “With an NISD centre in Meghalaya, we could conduct comprehensive research and develop strategies to address these serious issues,” he said.
The National Institute of Social Defence is the nodal training and research institute in the field of social defence. While it covers a wide range of social protection activities, its current focus includes drug abuse prevention, welfare of senior citizens and transgender individuals, prevention of beggary, and other social defence issues.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh described the meeting as “fruitful.” He said, “The MP expressed a desire for us to coordinate and work together in various sectors, particularly in social welfare. We face significant challenges such as high levels of drug addiction, trafficking, and a large number of single-parent families.”
“He made valuable suggestions, and I gave him a patient hearing. I look forward to working together on a few key sectors that impact the welfare of Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh added.