Shillong, June 5 : In a determined effort to tackle the escalating issue of substance abuse in Meghalaya, the State Social Welfare Department, alongside the Home (Police) Department and the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, is set to convene a consultative meeting with Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of District Councils (MDCs), and the Dorbar Shnongs of the Greater Shillong Area.

The meeting is slated on June 7th at 2 pm at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, this meeting is a key component of the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM), launched in June 2023 to create a “Drug-Free Meghalaya.”

Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh has called on the Dorbar Shnongs to participate in this critical meeting, emphasizing their essential role in the state’s collective effort to combat substance abuse.

The consultative meeting aims to identify gaps in the current system and foster community partnerships, particularly with the Village Defence Parties (VDPs).

As per the Meghalaya Village Defence Organisation Rules 2008, VDPs assist the police in maintaining law and order, and their role now extends to combating drug-related crimes.

DREAM has recognized the need for a robust, well-trained network of VDPs equipped to tackle drug abuse and trafficking. These trusted local volunteers will receive comprehensive training on drug detection and prevention and will work closely with the police and health services.

This initiative includes Social & Behavioural Change Campaigns and awareness programs to foster community engagement.

The meeting on 7th June will be attended by State Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, Israel W. Ingty, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, Vivek Syiem, IPS, Special Superintendent of Police (CID)-Shillong, Meghalaya, Madanryting Village Defence Parties, and other MLAs, MDCs, and Dorbar Shnongs representatives from Greater Shillong.

The recent rise in the state’s success rate in combating drug menace to 20 percent is attributed to the active support from traditional institutions and NGOs, underscoring the importance of this collaborative approach in achieving a Drug-Free Meghalaya.

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