Pakyong, October 30 : The monthly district-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), along with the first meeting of the District Level Consultative Committee under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), was jointly chaired by District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi, and Additional District Collector, Pakyong, Mr Pulkit, at the conference hall of the District Administrative Centre, Pakyong, today.
During the meeting, discussions were held on the framework for reducing the drug menace, with particular emphasis on supply and demand reduction. The deliberations highlighted the need for a coordinated approach towards addressing substance abuse, recognising its close association with mental health concerns.
The chair reviewed the measures being undertaken by various departments to curb the supply of narcotic substances in the district. Department-wise updates were sought on enforcement activities, cases registered, intelligence gathering mechanisms, identification of vulnerable areas and other preventive measures. The discussion also highlighted the need to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms and address concerns surrounding the reporting of substance abuse cases, particularly the apprehensions faced by individuals and families in seeking assistance.
The need for establishing accessible reporting mechanisms, was also discussed. Emphasis was laid on strengthening community-based policing. The meeting further deliberated on mental health support, rehabilitation and the need for a structured approach towards the functioning of de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities, in accordance with prescribed guidelines. The importance of ensuring meaningful engagement of recovering individuals through skill-based training and livelihood-oriented activities was also emphasised, with the objective of promoting self-reliance and facilitating their social and economic reintegration.
The meeting also explored ways to strengthen awareness and sensitisation activities under NMBA, including innovative outreach strategies and community-based initiatives that could encourage wider participation.
The concerned departments shared updates on awareness and sensitisation drives, monitoring activities, civic action programmes and vigilance measures undertaken under the Abhiyan. The need to adopt diverse and innovative communication strategies to ensure greater outreach was highlighted, with particular emphasis on engaging young people through digital platforms and social media, including short-form video content and other popular online formats.
The discussion also explored constructive avenues for engaging young people through recreational, creative and community-based activities, providing them with positive opportunities to channel their energy and interests. Another key proposal discussed was the identification of a male government employee in each ward under the proposed ‘Bharosa’ initiative, who could serve as a designated point of contact and counsellor for men requiring support and guidance.
Addressing the meeting, the Chair emphasised the need for serious and collective intervention, with every department taking ownership of its respective responsibilities.The Chair stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive and sustained approach towards prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to address the drug menace at various levels.
The Chair directed the concerned official to compile a list of skill-based training programmes share the same with rehabilitation centres, enabling recovering individuals to indicate their areas of interest and avail suitable training opportunities.The Chair also stressed the need to identify suitable male employees at the ward level to serve as counsellors under the proposed ‘Bharosa’ initiative.
The meeting was followed by the first District Level Consultative Committee meeting under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), which focused on strengthening the implementation of tobacco control measures across the district.
During the discussion, the Chief Medical Officer, Pakyong, highlighted the need to address tobacco consumption as an important entry point to substance use, stressing the importance of early intervention, awareness and preventive measures among young people.
The Health Department presented an overview of activities undertaken in the district under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act and the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign, including awareness and sensitisation programmes, enforcement drives and monitoring activities.
The committee deliberated on strengthening interdepartmental coordination and involving representatives from various departments and non-governmental organisations to make awareness initiatives more effective. The need to encourage the functioning of Tobacco Monitoring Clubs and strengthen community-level monitoring mechanisms was also discussed.
The chair emphasised the importance of sustained enforcement and directed the concerned departments to submit updates and reports on the enforcement measures undertaken to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of tobacco control provisions.
Following the meeting, Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 4.0 pledge, was administered reaffirming the collective commitment towards creating a tobacco-free society.
The meeting was attended by Sub Divisional Magistrate Pakyong; Chief Medical Officer Pakyong; SDPO/DSP Pakyong; Deputy RTO; Assistant Commandant, SSB; ACF(T); DCPO, WCSC&DWD; Welfare Officer, SWD; Assistant Commissioner, Excise Department; officials from SDM office, Rangpo, Health Department; health educator and representatives from Awake, Samaritan Rehab and Jeewan Marg Society.
