ZIRO, NOV 5:
A one-day training programme for “Master Volunteers” under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) on Psychotropic Substance Abuse, Preventive Measures, and Life Skills was conducted at DC’s conference hall, district secretariat here on Wednesday.
The programme was organized by the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) in collaboration with the Lower Subansiri district administration, aimed at empowering volunteers to combat substance abuse and promote a healthy drug-free society.
Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Oli Perme, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the role of community participation and volunteerism in curbing the menace of drug abuse. She along with all the participants present took a vow of pledge to fight the menace of drugs in the district.
Sub-inspector Kaken Yigam of Ziro Police Station spoke on the provisions of the NDPS Act and familiarization of NDPS substances. He also made the volunteers aware about the “MANAS App” and its helpline number 1933. He also briefly explained about the punishments associated with fines under the various sections of NDPS Act 1985 in regards to the quantity of drugs possessed by an individual (small, intermediate and commercial quantities).
DPO (NP-NCD)-cum-DSO (IDSP), Ziro,Dr. Subu Habung,presented an informative session on the ill-effects of substance use and withdrawal symptoms. He expressed that abuse of psychotropic substances is self-inflicted disease/disorder. He also highlighted tobacco as the biggest killer, which kills approximately 60 lakh people every year and also causes more than 25 diseases.
Later, Topi Sora, Project Manager, targeted intervention, Turbu Daleh Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ziro, spoke on creating awareness on stigma and promoting an enabling environment along with awareness on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. She highlighted about the co-existence of users with the society and to be empathetic towards them and to not rationalize them as bad or weak.
Sora focused mainly in giving more meticulous awareness relating to drugs, HIV/AIDS & hepatitis and called for active involvement of schools, colleges, communities, various NGOs, and administrations in the fight for a drug-free society.
The participants from Saint Claret College and IGTAMSU College, Ziro were branded as the “Master Volunteers”.
