Shillong, Sept 21: Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar on Tuesday informed that his Ministry has been working aggressively at the Drug Rehabilitation Centres and Old Age Homes in the country and monitoring and surveillances have been made strict at these centres for proper care and security of the inmates.The Union Minister also made a visit to Kirpa Foundation at Upper Lachumiere, Shillong and spoke with the inmates.

Speaking about the menace of the substance abuse, the Union Minister was very categorical when he said that drug addiction affects not only a person or family, but the entire society. While expressing his deep concern, he pointed out that it is a big challenge for the NE states who are sharing boundaries with other countries, as these routes are frequently issued by drug paddlers for transit of drugs.While expressing satisfaction that the respective state governments are making all-out efforts to curb the menace, he called upon the states to work more vigorously so that the youth who are affected by this menace can be linked with the NGOs and the schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

“It is the duty of everyone to educate the people about the ill effects of drug abuse and to assist the rehabilitation of victims of substance abuse,” he said.The Minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the government to achieve social goals to end drug abuse and strengthen community-centric approaches and outcomes.

He said that the dream of the Prime Minister of India for a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ will be successful only when officials in the government, NGOs and community at large work together to end the menace from its roots.