NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq Urges Drug Awareness as Compulsory Subject in Schools
Govt to Intensify Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation Efforts Across J&K: Health Minister Sakina Itoo
Minister Says Drug Awareness Now Part of School Curriculum; Morning Assemblies to Include Awareness Lectures
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar: DD, The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday witnessed an elaborate discussion on the alarming rise of drug addiction, with legislators calling for immediate and coordinated measures to curb the menace and safeguard the youth.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), the discussion followed a question tabled by BJP MLA Surjeet Singh regarding “Drug Addiction” and the steps being taken by the government to address the issue across the Union Territory.
In her reply, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, said the government has adopted a multi-departmental approach to combat substance abuse through awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation programmes.
“The government is working closely with the School Education, Higher Education, and Medical Education departments to strengthen rehabilitation and awareness initiatives,” the Minister said.
She added that drug awareness has already been incorporated into the school curriculum and that the government will consider holding regular awareness sessions during morning assemblies in educational institutions to promote early sensitization.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our young generation is protected from the scourge of drugs. The government is committed to rehabilitating those affected and to strengthening preventive mechanisms,” the Minister stated.
During the discussion, several members expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse in the Union Territory, urging that stringent and time-bound measures be implemented to curb the spread of substance use among the youth.
NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq emphasized the need for a structured educational approach, saying, “Drug awareness should be made a compulsory subject, and every class must have a designated teacher to educate students about the dangers of drug addiction.”
Meanwhile, the government informed the House that de-addiction and rehabilitation centres are functional across various districts and are managed by trained professionals. Outreach programmes are also being conducted in schools, colleges, and panchayats, supported by awareness camps and door-to-door surveys by health workers to identify and counsel those at risk.
The Health Department reiterated its commitment to expanding awareness campaigns, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting inter-departmental coordination to effectively tackle the drug menace across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNC)
