MP Sat Sharma raises issue of drug de-addiction, rehabilitation in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma (CA) highlighted a matter of serious public concern regarding the issue of drug de-addiction, rehabilitation, and vocational empowerment in Jammu & Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha. Through an Unstarred Question, Sat Sharma sought detailed information from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on the Centre's plans to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and improve rehabilitation facilities in the Union Territory. Recognizing the growing challenge of substance abuse among youth, Sat Sharma specifically asked whether the Government proposes to establish integrated drug de-addiction and vocational training centres in the Jammu region, what concrete steps have been taken under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism to combat drug trafficking in Jammu & Kashmir, and whether additional rehabilitation centres are proposed to strengthen treatment facilities in the Union Territory. Replying to the question, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment BL Verma informed the House that there is presently no proposal to establish integrated drug de-addiction and vocational training centres in the Jammu region. However, the Government highlighted the existing infrastructure and ongoing efforts to address drug abuse. The Minister informed that Jammu & Kashmir currently has one Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), six District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs), two Community-based Peer-led Intervention (CPLI) centres, three Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs), and twenty-one Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) functioning under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. The Government also stated that the establishment and monitoring of new de-addiction centres is a continuous process. On Sat Sharma's query regarding measures against drug trafficking, the Government informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has established a four-tier NCORD mechanism comprising Apex, Executive, State/UT, and District levels to ensure better coordination among enforcement agencies. Since 2018, 17 State-Level and 836 District-Level NCORD Committee meetings have been held in Jammu & Kashmir to review the drug trafficking scenario, monitor enforcement actions, and ensure timely implementation of anti-drug measures. The NCORD portal also serves as a centralized knowledge management and information-sharing platform for anti-drug initiatives across the country. Sat Sharma said that drug addiction poses a serious social challenge, particularly for the younger generation, and emphasized that rehabilitation must go beyond treatment by creating opportunities for skill development and self-employment. He stated that by raising this issue in Parliament, his objective is to ensure that Jammu & Kashmir receives stronger institutional support, expanded rehabilitation infrastructure, and a coordinated strategy to protect the youth from the menace of drugs and help them lead productive lives.