Guwahati: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has organized a district-level workshop in collaboration with the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights on “Joint Action Plan on Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and Illicit Trafficking”.
The well-being of children is a universal aspiration. The problem of drug and alcohol abuse among children and adolescents is, however, becoming a global health concern. In order to address the issue, a committee on Joint Action Plan on Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and Illicit Trafficking was formed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Narcotics Control Bureau. The need for a Joint Action Plan (JAP) was felt at the highest level to streamline the strategies and efforts of various authorities, institutions, and agencies to bring a paradigm shift in the direction of drugs and substance abuse prevention amongst the children in the country. The Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup, Shri Kailash Karthik N, IAS, welcomed the esteemed dignitaries of the workshop. Sh. Rakesh Chandra Shukla, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, Guwahati, was present as the expert resource person. He enlightened the stakeholders on the Joint Action Plan and also discussed the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in tackling the issue of drugs and substance abuse among children. Superintendent of Police, Hitesh Chandra Roy, APS, ADC (Social Welfare), District Education Officer, Medical Officer, District Child Protection Officer, Principals, teachers, representatives from various NGOs, and Childline were present at the workshop.
The child-related issues of the workshop were addressed by Shri Phanindra Bujarbaruah, a member, ASCPCR. The workshop also had a session of open house discussion where the stakeholders put forward their concerns and problems in handling the cases regarding the same at the district. A synergy between the stakeholders was created which led to the solutions of their queries placed in front of various departments. Also, the workshop emphasized on strengthening and ensuring enforcement of the legal provisions provided under different laws in respect to selling drugs and substances to the children and use of children in trafficking drugs. The workshop ended with a vote of thanks from the chair.