Shillong, Aug 27: Heavingstone Kharpran (VPP) has raised the issues concerning rehabilitation centres to deal with drug addiction in the state with Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh stating that there are around 3 lakh drug addicts in the state.
In reply to a supplementary question by Ardent Basaiawmoit (VPP), Lyngdoh said out of 3 lakh drug addicts, the success rate is 20 percent.
The minister said the reduction rate is based on official statistics.
Basaiawmoit wanted the government to seek funds from the Centre as the Manipur government received crores of rupees whereas Meghalaya received only Rs 1,30,000.
In reply to questions, Lyngdoh said under the mission to eradicate the problem of drugs, state government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for the next five years, out of which Rs 5 crore is for the current fiscal.
Brightstarwell Marbaniang (VPP) asked the state government to learn from Tripura which has central level rehabilitation centre besides centres in all the districts with adequate funds given to tackle the problem.
Lyngdoh said there are 10 rehabilitation centres in the state and the total number of drug-addiction rehabilitation centres in East Khasi Hills is 5
Adelbert Nongrum (VPP) has also expressed concern over 3 lakh drug addicts in the state.
Rupa Marak (TMC) wanted to know the centres set up in Garo Hills to deal with the problem to which the minister said the government is supporting the rehabilitation centres in Garo Hills.
Naming of roads, places
Opposition Leader Ronnie Lyngdoh asked the government to put up signages on roads and places named after important personalities.
Roads connecting WJH & EJH
Raising a question, Nujorki Sungoh (UDP) said the government should speed up the construction of Madan Pohkseh-Lakasein Road connecting both the East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
