REASI: The three day capacity building training programme on drug demand reduction was organised in District Reasi by the Department of Social Welfare Reasi.
The training was organized as a part of National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) to impart intensive training to participants regarding identification, treatment, after care, rehabilitation and social integration of substance dependents.
The trainees included diverse sections of administration & civil society members like Teachers/Counselors, OSC staff, DHEW staff, Asha Workers/Anganwadi Workers, PRIs/ student groups/volunteers/ Police functionaries and law personnel.
The programme was kick started by Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Babila Rakwal where in emphasis was laid on the early detection of substance abuse and treatment of victims. Psychological counselling was advised to be conducted as the victims of drug abuse often lack psychological disconnect from the society.
The DC urged upon the participants to spread awareness about the drug abuse and illicit trafficking in their surroundings. She laid emphasis to exercise extra vigil in cases where information of youth involved is received especially when the victims are school going children.
The training programme was further given impetus by Additional District Development Commissioner Jyoti Salathia, wherein the role of frontline workers in dissemination of accurate information about various substances, their use, treatment options etc was outlined.
The District Health Officer Reasi Ashok Kumar was the subject matter expert, who shared his practical experience in dealing with drug abuse victim cases and suggested measures for their early identification and treatment. The programme concluded on day 3 in presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner Reasi Abdul Star who urged the participants to spread awareness about drug abuse which has become a major problem as a part of a bigger issue Narco-Terrorism.
Senior Superintendent Police Reasi, Amit Gupta shared his valuable observations regarding the drug abuse. He emphasized the need for identifying the victims and threw light on the reasons why youth fall prey to these grave problems.
Programme Officer ICDS Reasi, Mohd. Anwar Banday and Dy. SP H.Q Neeraj Padyar among others were present on the occasion.
District Social Welfare Officer Reasi, Sumit Suri presented the vote of thanks.