SRINAGAR, Aug 25: In a decisive move to combat the growing menace of substance abuse among youth, Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday chaired a first-of-its-kind stakeholders’ meeting on drug de-addiction across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Secretary Health & Medical Education, DIG Police Crime Branch, Directors of School Education, Health Services and Colleges, Principals of degree colleges, Chief and Zonal Education Officers, school heads, NGOs, doctors, experts, civil society members and substance users undergoing rehabilitation. Participants joined both in person and virtually.
Expressing grave concern over the alarming rise in drug abuse, particularly among school and college students, participants flagged the easy availability of narcotics near educational institutions. They suggested integrating training modules into curricula, establishing structural mechanisms, and launching scientific, targeted awareness campaigns. Recovering addicts also shared powerful personal testimonies, highlighting the dangers of addiction and the challenges of rehabilitation.
In her address, Minister Sakeena Itoo underscored the need for shifting from token awareness drives to concrete action. “Awareness programmes must go beyond speeches. If we are able to save even one child through such initiatives, it will be a significant contribution to society,” she said.
Announcing a series of measures, the Minister said installation of CCTV cameras in and around schools and colleges would be made mandatory to monitor activities and prevent illicit circulation of drugs. She also directed the formation of community-based monitoring committees, comprising parents, civil society members and religious leaders, to be facilitated by the Education Department. These committees will submit monthly reports to the Directors of School Education and Higher Education on their activities and outcomes.
The Minister further stressed on regular health and behavioural screenings in schools and colleges for early detection and timely counselling of vulnerable students. “If we collectively implement surveillance, monitoring, community involvement, and screening, I am confident we can make meaningful progress in addressing the drug menace,” she affirmed.
Reiterating the government’s full support to institutions, NGOs and civil society groups working in the de-addiction sector, the Minister urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination to safeguard the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.
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