JAMMU: In its endeavours towards combating drug menace among youth, the Department of Social Welfare today organised ‘Nasha Mukt Art & Cultural Event’ at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, drawing participation from over 600 college students from Jammu division.
Addressing the youth, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Sanjeev Verma, who was chief guest, emphasised that the UT administration is working diligently to eradicate drug menace from the region. “The laws are very strict and action is being taken against those involved in perpetuating the vicious cycle,” Verma said.
He encouraged the students to resist peer pressure and share information about addicts and perpetrators with the college officials and the administration. He urged the teachers to take students into confidence and prevent stigmatisation. He called upon the Information Department to amplify drug awareness messages.
The event featured cultural and awareness presentations by the inmates of Palash and Parisha Home, RS Pura and the Home for Visually Impaired, Roop Nagar Jammu, both institutions being managed by the Social Welfare Department.
SP Headquarters Jammu, Irfan Rashid Rather, educated the participants on the history of drug control laws in India and the NDPS Act. He revealed that police had registered 200 FIRs under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 300 individuals for drug peddling in 2024. Among those arrested, 19 hardcore drug peddlers were booked under the stringent PIT NDPS Act. The Police has also attached 11 immovable properties worth Rs 4,69,91,369 and seized 83 vehicles used in drug smuggling.
Director Social Welfare, Rupesh Kumar, exhorted upon the youngsters to become “ambassadors of change” by protecting others from falling into the trap of drugs while facilitating rescue of the addicted. “We should protect one another from falling prey to the evil of drugs,” he stated.
Expert lectures were delivered by Dr. Rachna Devi, Assistant Professor and member of State Nodal Agency “J&K Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses,”. She highlighted the signs of drug addiction in youth and possible rehabilitation interventions. She emphasised the importance of saying “no” to first-time drug offers.
Legal Counsellor from DLSA and founder of ‘Dhira’, Kiran Thakur spoke about the NDPS Act and its role in regulating the drug use and abuse, outlining punishments for manufacture, sale, possession and purchase under the Act.
A signature campaign was also held by the department during the event. The participants received badges promoting the NASHA MUKT BHARAT ABHIYAN with the message “SAY NO TO DRUGS.”
The event was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Director Information, Nitish Rajora, ADDC Sher Singh, College Principal, SS Parihar besides the college officials and students.
