Shillong, Jan 14: An awareness programme under the DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) Scheme, 2025 was held at Kendriya Vidyalaya School, Tura to observe National Youth Day.
The programme was organised yesterday by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) to sensitise students and youth about the growing menace of drug abuse and to create awareness on legal provisions, preventive measures, rehabilitation, and wellness support systems available for individuals affected by substance abuse. The initiative also aimed at encouraging young minds to adopt a healthy, responsible, and drug-free lifestyle.
DAWN is a legal services initiative focused on spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse while providing guidance, counselling, and legal support for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of substance-affected persons. The scheme emphasises early intervention, community participation, and active youth engagement to build a drug-free and healthy society.
Legal Aid Counsel John Cronin Ch. Sangma who attended the programme as the resource elaborated on the objectives of the DAWN Scheme. He explained the key provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, a comprehensive legislation enacted to regulate and control narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and to curb their misuse and illicit trafficking. He strongly advised the students to strictly abstain from drugs and never to experiment or come into contact with any form of narcotic substances.
Circle Inspector (Sardar) B.N. Marak spoke on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, highlighting offences, penalties, and the stringent legal consequences related to possession, consumption, manufacturing, and trafficking of prohibited substances. He advised the attendees to remain vigilant about their surroundings and to be able to identify substances, objects, and activities that must be strictly avoided. He further cautioned students and participants to exercise care while sharing or lending their vehicles to friends or other individuals, noting that drug peddlers often exploit such situations, which may unknowingly place innocent persons in serious legal trouble.
Marak also highlighted the DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission) Project.
