Pramesh S Jain & Binish Thomas (Sub-Editor)
High level Meeting on Controlling Drug Abuse Chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah:
• Today,a meeting was held with ministers and senior officers regarding the control of drugs.
• The government is taking the issue of drug abuse very seriously. Instructions have been given to consider making necessary amendments to the laws against drugs to strengthen them.
A decision was made to strengthen the law further, including the provision for stricter punishments for drug peddlers.After discussions with the Law Secretary and Advocate General,a final framework will be prepared.
• A Task Force will be formed under the leadership of the Home Minister to eradicate the drug menace.The Task Force will oversee all operations to control drug abuse in the state.
• The police department has been instructed to take strict measures to control the sale and supply of drugs. Sensitive police station areas where drug abuse is more prevalent should be identified, and strict action should be taken in those areas to control drug activities.If this is not done,the respective inspectors of those stations will be held accountable.
• To monitor the situation more closely in schools, colleges, and hostels,a student policing system will be introduced.NCC and NSS units should actively participate in this task.
• Instructions were given to strictly ban the unauthorized sale of synthetic drugs and psychotropic substances in medical shops.It was suggested that the licenses of those involved in such activities should be canceled.
The Drugs Control Department has been directed to keep continuous watch over medical shops and conduct inspections from time to time.
• District committees working to prevent drug abuse should become more active and take strict measures to control drug-related activities in their districts.
• The Education Department and the Social Welfare Department must regularly create awareness in the educational institutions and hostels under their jurisdiction.
• To fully control drug abuse and raise awareness, departments like the Police,Higher Education,Social Welfare,Urban Development,and Health should work together in coordination.
• Each department and official should be assigned responsibilities and ensure they are carried out strictly.
The Chief Secretary has been instructed to take action against officials who do not perform their duties properly.
• The government will not tolerate the drug menace in the state under any circumstances.All departments must make a coordinated effort to prevent students and young people from falling victim to drug abuse.
