By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 14: As part of National Youth Day 2026, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Khasi Hills District, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), on Wednesday organised a legal awareness programme on the NALSA ‘DAWN’ (Drug Awareness & Wellness Navigation – For a Drug-Free India) Scheme, 2025 at the Community Dorbar Hall, Lawmali Pyllun.
During the programme, Legal Aid Counsel of the DLSA, EKH, MM Shullai, spoke in detail on the objectives of the NALSA ‘DAWN’ Scheme, 2025, and apprised the participants of the availability of free legal services, including the NALSA Helpline 15100 and the NALSA Legal Services Management System (LSMS) portal.
A lecture was also delivered on the impact of drug abuse among youths, along with an overview of the state government’s DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission) initiative.
Participants were also sensitised about the growing menace of drug abuse, its adverse effects on physical and mental health and the importance of informed and responsible decision-making.
Furthermore, legal provisions relating to drug abuse, particularly the stringent clauses of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the consequences of violations were explained.
The role of legal services institutions in providing free legal aid, counselling and rehabilitation support to affected individuals was also highlighted.
Speaking to reporters, Shullai said similar awareness programmes are being conducted in different localities across East Khasi Hills district. She informed that the ‘DAWN’ Scheme is a new initiative introduced by NALSA in 2025, aimed at ensuring that people affected by drug addiction are aware of the support mechanisms available to them.
She added that the awareness drives are being organised in collaboration with Dorbar Shnongs, with the involvement of MIMHANS, the Social Welfare department and the police, to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling drug abuse and promoting a drug-free society.
The programme was chaired by Para Legal Volunteer I Pyrtuh.
The chairman of Synjuk Ki Seng Samla Shnong also addressed the gathering, highlighting the need for collective action to curb drug abuse among the youths.
