Shillong, Feb 12: A grassroots group drawn from past and present drug addicts today complained that it has been unable to secure government support because its members do not have connections with politicians or civil servants.
A recovering addict belonging to this group shared these claims publicly where he also questioned the effectiveness of the Meghalaya government’s anti-narcotics policies.
There was another allegation as well, to do with a well-known private rehabilitation centre that has received plenty of state support. The addict said that this rehab centre’s owners have a financial interest in the alcohol trade by way of a bonded warehouse located next to the office of DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission), a Meghalaya government initiative.
The grassroots group the accuser is a member of conducts door-to-door outreach, provides psycho-social support and assists families dealing with substance abuse. According to him, the group gained visibility in 2024 during a period when vigilante groups were rounding up addicts in parts of Shillong and sending them outside the state to rehabilitation centres. He said members of his fellowship advocated against forced confinement and worked to secure the release of several individuals.
The recovering addict said he has remained sober for 20 months through peer support and community-based recovery efforts. He further claimed that despite submitting proposals and attending meetings over the past two years, his group has struggled to secure government support for their work, which includes assisting children living with HIV and individuals battling addiction.
“We are not asking for privilege or favour. We are asking for support to continue helping addicts and vulnerable children with dignity,” he stated, alleging that grassroots organisations without political connections often find it difficult to access funding or institutional backing.
He also questioned whether the current system adequately addresses the root causes of addiction. “If supply remains strong while rehabilitation is funded to manage the damage, are we solving the problem or managing its consequences?” he asked.
