By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 29: Ri-Bhoi is all set to get a government-run rehabilitation centre under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by next year.
United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Nongpoh constituency, Mayralborn Syiem, informed on Friday that the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner has been tasked with submitting proposals to corporate houses to facilitate the establishment of the centre.
“We had a meeting with the deputy commissioner to send a proposal through the CSR project to have a rehabilitation centre in Ri-Bhoi. This has been taken up, and we have entrusted and instructed the DC to send the proposal to various corporate houses. It is in the pipeline, and by next year, it will come up. This is one step for a better tomorrow,” Syiem said.
Airing concern over the state’s drug problem, Syiem emphasised the need for government initiatives to establish affordable rehabilitation centres. He noted that private facilities, charging between Rs 7,000 and Rs 15,000 per month, are often inaccessible to those from middle-class or marginalised communities.
He also referred to recent reports of alleged mistreatment of recovering addicts in Assam’s rehabilitation centres, which prompted a government probe. This, he said, highlights the importance of providing affordable and reliable government-run facilities in the state.
Stating that the government is committed to tackling the drug menace despite challenges, Syiem commended the efforts of traditional heads, civil society groups and law enforcement agencies.