1.68 lakh minors among 13.5 drug users in J&K: Parliamentary panel

‘Opioid mostly used; govt taking a slew of measures to tackle drug menace’

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Aug 04 (KNO): Around 13.5 lakh people in Jammu & Kashmir consume drugs, with over 5 lakh addicts using opioids, a parliament panel report has revealed.

The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment report titled ‘Drug abuse among young persons: Problems and solutions’, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), reveals that around 1,68,700 children of 10-17 year age group are drug users in Jammu & Kashmir and among them, around 95,000 are Opioid users.

As per the report, among 1,68700 minor drug abusers, 8,000 are using cannabis, 95,000 opioids, 19,000 sedatives, 100 cocaine, 400 Amphetamine Stimulants, 46,000 inhalants and 200 Hallucinogens.

The report states that 11,80,000 adults of the 18-75 age group are drug abusers and among them, 3,54,000 are using alcohol, 1,36000 cannabis, 4,47,000 Opioids, 1,51,000 sedatives, 89,000 inhalants and 1000 each of Cocaine, stimulant and Hallucinogens.

The parliamentary committee in the report mentioned that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment commissioned a comprehensive survey in 2018 by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) AIIMS, and on the basis of the survey a comprehensive Scheme, National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) was formulated for 2018-25 to tackle the drug menace in the country.

As per the survey, about 16 crore of the Indian population between 10 and 75 years (14.6%) of age uses alcohol. “At the national level, there are as many as 19% of the current users of alcohol who consume alcohol in a dependent pattern. 20 lakhs juveniles below the age of 17 consume cannabis and about 2.26 crore individuals (2.1% of the country’s population) use opioids which include opium (or variants like poppy husk, heroin, smack or brown sugar and various pharmaceutical opioids),” the report mentions.

It further states that NAPDDR merged with it the erstwhile scheme namely Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse, Projects and Components with a view to streamlining the process of implementation in a focused manner.

“The objectives of the scheme are to create awareness and educate people about the ill-effects of drugs abuse on the individual, family, workplace and the society at large and reduce stigmatization of and discrimination against, groups and individuals dependent on drugs in order to integrate them back into society, develop human resources and build capacity for working towards these objectives, facilitate research, training, documentation, innovation and collection of relevant information, provide for a whole range of community based services for the identification, motivation, counselling, de-addiction, after care and rehabilitation for Whole Person Recovery (WPR) of addicts, formulate and implement comprehensive guidelines, schemes, and programmes using a multi-agency approach for drug demand reduction, undertake drug demand reduction efforts to address all forms of drug abuse, alleviate the consequences of drug dependence amongst individuals, family and society at large,” the report says.

It says that under the scheme of NAPDDR, financial assistance is extended inter-alia to various non-governmental organisations, and project implementing agencies for different prescribed components including preventive education and awareness generation, capacity building, treatment and rehabilitation.

The report also mentions setting quality standards; skill development, vocational training and livelihood support of ex-drug addicts, focused intervention in vulnerable areas; surveys, studies, evaluations, research and innovation on the subjects covered under the scheme, programme management, and any other activity or item which will augment or strengthen the implementation of NAPDDR—(KNO)

60 lakh youth engaged in sports activities in J&K: Secretary YSS

Says dept developing a world-class infrastructure for players

Tasaduq Husaain

Kupwara, Aug 04 (KNO): Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Sarmad Hafeez on Friday said the department engaged 60 lakh youth in sports activities in Jammu & Kashmir, which is nearly double the target of 35 lakh engagements.

“We have highly engaged the youth. For a target of 35 lakh youth engagement, we were able to engage 60 lakh youth in sports activities,” Sarmad said, adding, “This year, the target has been raised by 10 lakh. So far, the figure has already crossed 30 lakh.”

He also said the UT administration is committed to encouraging youth towards sports and the department ensures all the required facilities for them.

Addressing the youth at the inaugural ceremony of Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall at Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Sarmad, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the sports department is developing a world-class infrastructure for players.

“It will help youth peruse their dreams and achieve new heights,” he said, adding, “The goals achieved here won’t only be physical fitness. It will also help them nourish their values and grow as a team.”

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and other officials of the administration were present on the occasion.

Recalling his tenure as Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, the Secretary YSS said the indoor sports infrastructure has been a very long pending demand. “The dream has been realised now. The youth will now be able to achieve their goals,” he said.

Hafeez said the hall will act as a place where people of all ages can come and avail of the facilities. “Not only youth, the people of any age can avail of this facility. It will be helpful for a better and healthier lifestyle. Such facilities will help youth channelise their potential and energies,” he said.

Sarmad said that separate funds under the Prime Minister’s Development Program have been allocated to Jammu & Kashmir. “Now each district in the region has an indoor sports stadium. Not only Khelo India, but multi-sports indoor stadiums have come up. All other required infrastructure has been developed in nook and corner of the Union Territory,” he said.

The Secretary said that 100 sports centres were awarded to J&K and five each sports centres will come up in each district. These will be the highest number of Khelo India centers across the country, he said, adding that the sport is the priority of the UT administration.

Sports activities, he said, shall continue in the times to come. “To support the youth of this district, we have a holistic development plan,” he said.

Sarmad assured that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shall be realized. He appreciated the commitment of the elected members and said that with the help of PRI members, the department will be able to engage more number youth in sports—(KNO)

LG inaugurates projects worth Rs 32 cr for all round development of Kupwara

‘Our goal is to ensure feeling of safety, security and happiness in society’

Kupwara, Aug 04 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Handwara area of Kupwara and inaugurated sports and various development projects for all round development of the District.

At Handwara, the Lt Governor dedicated the multi-purpose Indoor Sports Hall to the youth of Kupwara.

He said, the Sports Hall worth Rs 4 crore, equipped with best-in-class facilities, will nurture the sporting talent of local youth and optimise their development. Such facilities to the youth will also make a significant contribution in strengthening our resolve of “Har Din Khel, Sabke Liye Khel”, he added.

In his address, the Lt Governor acknowledged the contribution of the sportspersons in making J&K an emerging Power House of sports.

“For a long time access to facilities, avenues for career progression and opportunity to perform were missing for sportspersons. We are investing more than ever before to create a support system and empowering them to reach their potential and enjoy security in their non-sporting lives,” the Lt Governor said.

200 identified outstanding sportspersons who had brought laurels to the country and the UT at national and international events will be handed over appointment letters of government jobs soon, he added.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor shared the growth journey of the Kupwara district and the efforts of the government to establish peace and to bring prosperity in the lives of the people.

The sports and other development projects inaugurated today are the testimony to our commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the district, he said.

“Development is possible only in the conditions of peace and stability. We have a clear policy of not sparing the guilty and not touching the innocent. On the path of peace and progress, it is our collective responsibility to ensure all the citizens lead a life of prosperity and dignity,” the Lt Governor said.

Reiterating the commitment of the UT administration towards the welfare and empowerment of all sections of the society, the Lt Governor said the administration is not only ensuring economic development but also delivering social justice by providing land to landless population including tribal community.

“Our goal is to ensure a feeling of safety, security and happiness in society. We’ll ensure expectations of people are fulfilled and all sections work shoulder to shoulder to build a new J&K,” he said.

The Lt Governor also highlighted the unprecedented progress achieved in various sectors and its impact in the lives of all.

Infrastructure development is progressing at a rapid pace and the common man is the main stakeholder of development processes. We have promoted the Border tourism to link the far-flung areas with the mainstream of development, he added.

The Lt Governor said the government is working for all and not for a select few and assured that the genuine issues and demands of the people will be addressed on priority.

He said the Government of India had started the initial process on the railway line for Kupwara. He further assured that the road from Lolab to Bandipora will be sanctioned soon. There will be no shortage of funding for completion of Government Medical College, he added.

On the sidelines of the event, the Lt Governor interacted with the media persons and responded to their questions on changes taking place in terms of tourism, sports and other sectors in J&K in general and Kupwara in particular.

“Kupwara is moving ahead on the path of peace and prosperity. The district has played a major role in strengthening of democracy. The public representatives and the people of Kupwara are giving new direction to Jammu Kashmir,” the Lt Governor said.

He further said the UT administration is giving due attention to the border tourism of Kupwara district.

During his visit, the Lt Governor inaugurated various development projects worth Rs 32 crore including development of sports complex at Bangus; augmentation of Grid Substations Villgam and Arampora; construction of Earth Science Block at Government Degree College Sogam, Kupwara; Three-story frame structure building at GHSS Handwara; construction of Kalaroose Lastiyal Khul at Lolab. The projects also included Water Supply Scheme Kundlan Karanu, Tangdar as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission fortnight celebrations.

Irfan Sultan Pandithpori, Chairman, District Development Council, Kupwara expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor led UT Administration for the ongoing development works in District Kupwara.

Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services & Sports and Ms Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council shared the details of unprecedented initiatives and achievements recorded in the sports sector of Jammu Kashmir.

It was informed that in the first quarter of 2023, the UT crossed the figure of 30 lakh people with respect to participation of sportspersons in various sporting events.

Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, representatives of PRIs and ULBs, sportspersons and large number of people were present on the occasion—(KNO)