SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today said that all Drug De-addiction centres are fully functional in J&K and directed for fee regulation at all centres for affordable rehabilitation of victims. The Minister made these remarks while replying to a question of Legislator, Surjeet Singh Salathia on Drug Addiction, in Legislative Assembly today.

She highlighted that the Health and Education departments along-with law enforcement agencies are playing an active role to fight the menace of drug abuse in society. She added that strict instructions have been issued to head of all educational institutions (colleges and schools) to install CCTVs in and around their campuses to check any kind of irregular activities.

The Minister also lauded the role of NGOs in dealing with this alarming situation across J&K, adding that their support is must for combating this social evil.

While giving reply to the question, the Minister said that  166 drug abuse cases have been reported in district Samba from the date of establishment of de-addiction centre at District Hospital Samba, with 114 Alcoholic and 62 Heroin & Cannabis affected, while as six  patients have recovered till date. She added that the Government is taking concrete steps  to curb this menace in the UT of J&K in general and Samba district in particular, like awareness Lectures and Educational Activities, Establishment of De-addiction Centre, Outreach Programs in Educational Institutions and Communities, Panchayat-Level Awareness Activities, Door-to-Door Survey and Identification as well as Camps in Hotspot Areas where a roster has been constituted for the organization of awareness and treatment camps in hotspot and other vulnerable areas. She added that these camps are led by psychiatrists and counsellors to provide both preventive education and initial treatment support.

The Minister also informed that Addiction Treatment Facility has been fully established at District Hospital, Samba since February 2024 sponsored by NDDTC (AIIMS New Delhi) under MOSIE, presently working on OPD basis with services like OPD by Psychiatrist, Counselling Services and Substance Substitute therapy.

While commenting on the subject, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather advised the Minister to take suggestions from a scientific document prepared by political representatives of a party, as it outlines effective and detailed measures for combating this social evil.

The Minister informed the house that Government has already started working on this report, besides the topics related to Drug Addiction have already been made part of the curriculum.

Legislators, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi; Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani; Muzaffar Iqbal Khan; Pawan Gupta; Tanvir Ali Sadiq; Narinder Singh; Dr. Rameshwar Singh; Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri; Balwant Singh Mankotia, raised supplementary questions on the subject.

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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