SRINAGAR: A deputation from the Civil Society Forum Kashmir met Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary at the Civil Secretariat and submitted a memorandum urging strong measures to tackle the growing menace of drug addiction in Jammu & Kashmir.
The delegation highlighted the alarming spread of drug abuse across educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, and coaching centers, emphasizing the urgent need for a systematic, coordinated, and evidence-based approach to address the issue.
They proposed several recommendations to curb drug addiction within educational institutions, such as establishing Institutional Monitoring Committees, enhancing surveillance and security, faculty training and capacity building, monitoring of vendors, and organizing Anti-Narcotics awareness camps.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the problem, the Deputy Chief Minister called for collective efforts to combat drug addiction and ensure safer educational environments. He noted that drug abuse has severely affected the social fabric of society and requires immediate attention.
Choudhary stressed the importance of coordination between educational institutions, local police, health departments, and de-addiction centers for joint interventions, awareness campaigns, and response mechanisms. He also recommended conducting biannual parent counseling sessions and educational workshops to help families recognize early signs of drug abuse.
