Taskforce on de-addiction, drug abuse

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant governor (LG) Anil Baijal on Friday directed that a taskforce be constituted to integrate efforts for de-addiction, and rehabilitation of drug users.

During a review meeting on law and order in the capital, the LG directed the authorities to focus on rehabilitation of drug users and not just de-addiction and to link the efforts with the skill development.

The LG called for a crackdown on both demand and supply side of drugs and illicit liquor in the city.

During the meet, the Delhi police apprised the LG that the main problem was bootlegging from neighbouring states in slum areas, re-settlement colonies, unauthorised colonies etc. The department also apprised about the various shortcomings of the licensed country liquor shops of the state corporation.

“To overcome these problems, it was suggested that effective awareness campaigns in the media be taken up. Further, there needs to be a combined effort for provision of better de-addiction facilities and vocational training to those who have successfully gone through rehabilitation so that they have meaningful livelihood opportunities. In this regard, a task force be constituted to have a coordinated and structured mechanism so as to integrate efforts for de-addiction, skilling and rehabilitation,” a statement from LG House said.

The LG also stressed that a regular mass campaign in various media must be undertaken by all the departments concerned. He also suggested engagement of educational institutions and field experts to sensitise people, especially youngsters, to make them aware about the ill effects drug usage.