JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high level meeting to assess the preparations being made by the Information Department for a UT wide informational and educational campaign aimed at creating awareness about the hazards and prevention of drug abuse.

Present in the meeting were Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Information & GAD; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu; IGP, Kashmir/Jammu; IGP, Crime; Director, Information & PR; State Drug Controller and other concerned officers. Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting from their Offices through video conferencing.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of training resource persons at the district level to ensure that a pool of trained individuals is kept available to reach every block and panchayat, fostering widespread awareness. He also directed for ensuring training of local officials in each block to act as counsellors, guiding the affected youth towards rehabilitation.

To enhance the campaign’s effectiveness, Dulloo instructed for covering every panchayat and higher educational institution across the UT with proper documentation of attendance and activities. He further advised the involvement of Deputy Commissioners in identifying key locations to ensure meaningful grassroots engagement of all the adult population there.

Highlighting the importance of clear communication, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for translating IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials into all local languages being spoken in the UT. He also urged the Information Department to leverage the reach of Radio and Doordarshan to disseminate educational content in far-off areas, ensuring maximum outreach and participation of the citizens.

To maintain the momentum, he directed the Department to publish a monthly newsletter featuring success stories, preventive measures and legal actions taken against the drug dealers to act as a deterrent. Additionally, he called for creation of a district-wise calendar of activities, widely publicised in advance, so that people in each village are informed about the campaign schedule and participating resource persons.

Commissioner Secretary Information Department, M. Raju, provided a detailed presentation on the planned implementation of the NashaMukt J&K Abhiyaan. He outlined that a short multilingual film would be showcased at every panchayat-level event, coordinated by designated nodal officers. The campaign will also feature interactive sessions with experts from the Health, Police, Excise, Social Welfare and Youth Services & Sports Departments, followed by Q&A sessions to engage the audience effectively.

To enhance the campaign’s reach and impact, he made out that the Department will collaborate with local influencers, including religious leaders and prominent community figures. Furthermore, individuals and families who have successfully overcome addiction will be publicly honoured as a source of inspiration for others, he added.

As part of the meeting, a short film on the ill effects of drug abuse was screened, which will be played at all campaign events. Additionally, the newly designed logo and web portal for Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan were unveiled for feedback from the stakeholders. Concluding the meeting, the Chief Secretary urged all stakeholders to play an active role in making the campaign a success, ensuring a lasting impact on the youth of J&K.

 The discussions also focused on a strategic roadmap for complete eradication of drug abuse from the society, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation and support for affected individuals without stigmatising them to live their lives happily ever after.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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