Shillong, Sept 21: : Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, while expressing concern, pointed out that it is a challenge for the Northeastern states sharing boundaries with other countries, as these routes are frequently used by drug paddlers for transit of drugs.
The minister on Tuesday held a meeting with NGOs dealing with social justice and empowerment and the officials of social welfare department.
On the menace of substance abuse, the union minister said drug addiction affects not only a person or family, but the entire society.
He expressed satisfaction that the state governments are making all-out efforts to curb the menace.
He asked the state governments to work more vigorously so that the youth who are affected by the menace can be linked with the NGOs and the schemes of the ministry of social justice and empowerment.
“It is the duty of everyone to educate the people about the ill effects of drug abuse and to assist the rehabilitation of victims of substance abuse”, he added.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the government to achieve social goals to end drug abuse and strengthen community-centric approaches and outcomes.
He said that the dream of the Prime Minister of India for a Nasha Mukt Bharat will be successful only when officials in the government, NGOs and community work together to end the menace from its roots.
The meeting was attended by Secretary North Eastern Council, K Moses Chalai, Principal Secretary, Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary M N Nampui.
