RAMBAN: To formulate a strategy to combat drug abuse, the District Administration Ramban, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, today organized a one-day workshop-cum-training session at Maitra for identified Panchayat-wise resource persons to prepare them for conducting an Awareness Drive-cum-IEC Campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.
Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, presided over the session, which witnessed the participation of Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) S. Harpal Singh; Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Shrinath Suman; Chief Education Officer (CEO) S. Bikram Singh; Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kamal Je Zadu; BMO Ukhral Dr. Mohd Iqbal; Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) Mohd Shahbaz, along with stakeholders from the Health, Education, Police, Rural Development, Social Welfare, and Excise Departments, as well as members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to tackle drug abuse, urging all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, religious leaders, and the media, to contribute to this noble cause. He directed the ACD to identify trained staff across departments for active participation in the campaign and stressed the importance of parental vigilance, particularly by female family members, in keeping teenagers away from substance abuse.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modiâs vision of a drug-free India under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the DC underscored the crucial role of teachers in spreading awareness. He directed the CEO to ensure the organization of Nukkad Nataks (street plays) and debates in schools twice a week as part of the campaign.
Further, he appealed to teachers and religious leaders to lead awareness campaigns within their communities and encouraged families to support individuals struggling with addiction by fostering a nurturing environment at home. He also announced that similar training programs would be conducted at the Block and Panchayat levels and directed officials to involve Anganwadi workers in the district-wide anti-drug initiative. Earlier, detailed deliberations were held on strengthening efforts to curb drug abuse and work collectively towards making Ramban a drug-free district.
