Focus on training counsellors, surveillance, and youth engagement initiatives
Kathua, March 31: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, chaired a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review the progress of ongoing initiatives and devise a comprehensive strategy to curb drug abuse in the district.
The meeting was attended by ADC Vishavjeet Singh, ASP Rahul Charak, CMO Dr Vijay Raina, ACD Akhil Sadotra, ACP Ajeet Kumar, Assistant Commandant 107 BSF Battalion, CAO, DIO, CEO, DSWO, DIO, Assistant Controller Drugs and other concerned officers.
It was informed in the meeting that counselling training programmes for paramedical staff of the Health Department and teachers of the School Education Department are being conducted in a phased manner. Nearly 200 counsellors have already been trained at GMC Kathua to strengthen grassroots-level intervention.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to ensure availability of at least 2–3 trained counsellors at each block, besides one trained teacher at every High and Higher Secondary School to guide and sensitize students against drug abuse.
The CEO Kathua Kewal Krishan informed that all 13 private coaching centres in the district have been equipped with CCTV surveillance, while government schools are being covered in a phased manner.
Stressing stringent enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Drug Control Department to intensify drives, conduct surprise inspections, maintain strict vigil on over-the-counter sale of drugs, and ensure effective functioning of de-addiction OPD clinics.
The meeting also underscored the importance of sustained IEC activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, along with enhanced youth engagement in sports to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Threadbare discussions were held on key issues including consolidation of data of offenders for punitive actions such as cancellation of licenses, regular monitoring of contraband cultivation, identification and surveillance of hotspots, and surprise inspections of vulnerable areas.
The Deputy Commissioner further stressed robust inter-agency coordination among Police, BSF, Health, Drug Control and School Education Departments to ensure a sustained and effective crackdown on drug abuse across the district.
