Meghalaya’s drug problem appears to be experiencing exponential growth, with 3 lakh youths in the state into drugs, with 40,000 of these addicted to them.
This was stated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at the launch of the government’s new Rs 50 crore project to help reduce drug abuse and illicit trafficking, entitled DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission), here today.
It was in January that the cabinet approved the mission to build a drug-free Meghalaya “that leverages culture and communities through a multifaceted coordinated strategy to eliminate the incidence of substance use in the state.”
Today, on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, DREAM was officially launched by the CM.
During his speech, Sangma highlighted the devastating effects of drug abuse, not only on individuals but also on families and society as a whole. Recognising the crucial role of the youth in building a better future, he stressed the importance of collective action and community engagement in preventing drug abuse. The CM commended the Meghalaya police for their dedication in tackling drug trafficking and urged them to continue their efforts.
‘’I have full faith in the DREAM Mission, which is a meticulously planned initiative with a budget allocation of Rs 50 crore for five years,” Sangma said. “This comprehensive programme has been designed to achieve tangible results through targeted interventions and strategic implementation… I urge religious organisations, NGOs, and every citizen to prioritise the fight against drug abuse. This is not solely the responsibility of the government; it requires the active involvement of all stakeholders. Let us come together and make this our agenda, giving it the highest priority.”
As part of the “lifecycle approach” of the State Health Policy, DREAM has been built upon the existing Drug Abuse Prevention Policy 2020. This is an effort by the state government towards providing the youth with greater capabilities and opportunities to realise their potential rather than falling into debt trap activities.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Pravin Bakshi, presented the comprehensive plan of DREAM, emphasising the urgent need to address the drug epidemic. He also shed light on the institutional structure and social mobilisation aspects of the initiative.
“The statistics regarding tobacco and alcohol consumption are deeply concerning,” Bakshi said, as Meghalaya has some of the worst numbers in the country. “It is imperative that we take immediate action to address these issues and protect our citizens from the harmful effects of substance abuse.”
The event also witnessed a presentation by Director General of Police Lajja Ram Bishnoi, who highlighted the global nature of drug abuse and trafficking. He outlined five essential objectives of creating awareness and empowering youth through preventive interventions.
The DGP discussed the vulnerabilities of Meghalaya due to its geographical location, ease of availability and social factors contributing to drug abuse. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, interstate cooperation, and capacity building to combat this menace.
