Deputy Commissioner (DC) Vineet Kumar on Thursday said that rising cases of drug abuse were primarily affecting school children in the fifth and sixth grades. DC said this at the consultation meeting at ADC office, Jalukie town on July 13, 2023 in response to the increasing cases of drug and intoxicating liquor abuse in Jalukie sub-division under Peren district.
According to DIPR, the meeting was organised by ADC Jalukie, T.L. Kiusumong Tikhir, with the aim to engage civil society leaders and stakeholders in finding effective measures to tackle the menace. DC urged the parents and community leaders to actively engage with children and provide them guidance and supervision to fulfil their responsibility in curbing drug abuse.
He also stressed on the importance of being good role models in the fight against drug abuse. DC highlighted the potential negative effects it could have on every aspect of society including physical and mental health, employment, and overall well-being.
Speaking at the meeting, ADC also emphasized active participation of civil society organisations in eradicating the rising cases of drug abuse throughout the sub-division. He called upon all the stakeholders to work together, adding that collective effort was needed to fight against the drug menace.
DC Peren notifies: In response to the increasing cases of substance abuse particularly among children under the age of 18, DC Vineet Kumar has ordered under Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, that it was an offense to provide any intoxicating liquor, narcotic drug, tobacco product, or psychotropic substance to children, unless authorized by a qualified medical practitioner.
DC ordered that any shop, institution, or individual found selling or distributing restricted substances to minors would face legal consequences as prescribed by the law. Additionally, DC said trade license may be revoked.
DC also instructed all tobacco-selling establishments to prominently display a legible notice stating the prohibition of selling tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18.
The district administration, through this initiative, aims to curb the rising trend of substance abuse among minors and protect their health and future.