By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 3: In a major push to strengthen Meghalaya’s response to substance abuse, a comprehensive statewide drug use survey will be undertaken by Sankardev College, Shillong, in collaboration with the Drug User Community and under the guidance of the DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission) initiative.
An MoU formalising the partnership was signed on Wednesday between DREAM Mission Director, Francis Kharshiing, and Sankardev College Principal Dr P Eureka Lyngdoh in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Adviser to the Social Welfare department, Paul Lyngdoh.
This move and the chief minister’s involvement underscores the commitment of the stakeholders to address the rising drug menace and highlights the need for collective responsibility involving institutions, communities, and civil society.
DREAM Mission Director Francis Kharshiing said that the survey will begin with a pilot in Shillong city and will later be expanded to all districts of the state. He noted that the last major drug use survey in Meghalaya was conducted in 2019 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and said that updated, community-driven data is crucial for shaping effective policies.
Kharshiing stated that findings from the study will help the government design more accurate, targeted, and evidence-based interventions covering prevention, de-addiction, rehabilitation, and community support.
Sankardev College Principal said the college will analyse the collected data using the expertise of faculty from the Statistics Department.
As per the MoU, the data analysis is expected to be completed within six months.
A notable feature of the initiative is the involvement of the Drug User Community, including the Meghalaya Users Forum (MUF) and the Meghalaya Drug Users Network (MeduNet). Officials said this reflects the government’s commitment to empathy and inclusion by ensuring that policies are shaped by real experiences rather than stigma or isolation.
The government reiterated its resolve to safeguard young people, support those affected by substance use, and empower communities to participate actively in prevention and recovery efforts.
With collaborative research, inclusive policymaking, and coordinated action across sectors, Meghalaya aims to build a more resilient and informed approach to tackling drug misuse in the state.
