Call to set up more rehabs

SHILLONG, Dec 15: Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) Director Francis Kharshiing emphasised the urgent need for more rehabilitation centres in the state.
“At the moment, there are too few rehabilitation centres,” Kharshiing told reporters.
He further shared that Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh recently announced plans to establish 20 new rehabilitation centres under the department’s initiative.
Kharshiing highlighted encouraging developments, noting that several individuals are stepping forward to take the initiative in setting up such centres. He revealed that three rehabilitation centres are being planned at Mawngap, Mawdiangdiang, and Sohryngkham through the personal efforts of concerned citizens.
To further these efforts, Kharshiing mentioned that he has personally reached out to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in the state, urging them to organise meetings with prominent citizens and local business leaders who can contribute to establishing these centres. “In my individual capacity, I am also reaching out to people to support the establishment of rehabilitation centres. The government cannot fight the battle against drugs alone — it needs the active participation of citizens,” he said.
It may be noted that the state government is exploring the idea of introducing vocational training programmes for the benefit of drug users at the rehabilitation centres.
DREAM Director Kharshiing had earlier on Friday held a meeting with the professionals from various institutions such as Industrial Training Institutes, Meghalaya Skill Development, Bosco Integrated Development Society and others to impart free vocational training to drug users at the rehabilitation centres.