The Meghalaya State Senior Citizens Forum today submitted a letter of representation to Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh relating to their concerns about drug menace.
General secretary of the forum, Khrawboklang Basaiawmoit, shared details with reporters of the meeting with the minister. He said that most people neglect senior citizens and they discussed the issue of drug menace and also about the rehabilitation centres in the state.
“As far as our knowledge, there are only private rehab centres, which are expensive. We have urged the minister to set up a government facility with free treatment for drug users,” Basaiawmoit said.
Asked what was the assurance of the minister, the forum said that the government has taken up the matter and there are about 12 rehab centres that are free of cost.
He also mentioned that the forum has been working together with the Social Welfare Department in terms of spreading awareness and other activities.