Manipur government intensifies efforts to implement state drug policy amid rising concerns

All-out effort for effective implementation of Manipur state drug policy says social welfare director Uttam Singh.

The government is putting all-out effort for effective implementation of Manipur State Drug Policy says Director of Social Welfare Ngangom Uttam Singh.

He stated this during the observance ceremony of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held today at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society, Palace Compound. The program was held under the theme “Evidence is clear: Invest in preservation”.

Ngangom Uttam said that the Manipur State Drug Policy which was notified in 2020 has implemented almost 20-30 per cent of the provision of policy with the support of various line departments. The state is in the process of scaling up the execution of said policy.

He also said that the department has taken up various preventative measures for drug abuse with the firm belief that prevention is always better than cure. The department has carried out massive awareness in schools and colleges relating to the drug menace and its impact to society. 

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There are as many as 26 Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts in the state funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and one de-addiction run by the department itself. Above this department has issued guidelines for private rehabilitation centres in order to provide quality treatment to people living with drugs, he added.

He stated that despite various programs are being taken up related to drug demand reduction, its effectiveness couldn’t be ascertained immediately. However, its outcome can be witnessed only after 5-10 years. But on the other hand, initiatives taken up for drug supply reduction can be assessed and quantified. As such its result can be easily noticed.

Uttam said that each and every citizen is responsible for stopping drug abuse and preventing addiction. Youth should be motivated to channel their energy for the betterment of society. 

Minister of Social Welfare Heikham Dingo also raised concern about expanding drug abuse in rural areas as well which was once mostly confined in urban areas. There is a need of rigorous awareness to end drug menace from the state.