Anti-drug drive via sms

This was announced by IT and Communication Minister Kapil Sibal during a programme organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to mark “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” in New Delhi on Sunday.

“We are planning to use all kinds of modern communication tools to fight the menace. Regular messages will be sent to prevent the young generation from surrendering to this vice,” said Sibal. The message alerts would be targeted at school children who are most vulnerable to drug addiction.

According to a UN report, India has one million registered addicts of heroin. However, unofficial estimates put these figures at five million.

Sibal said Punjab is one of the most vulnerable states where a large percentage of drug addicts are women. They have been found to carry HIV infection also.  Recent studies have found children as young as eight years indulging in drug use in the state.

Stressing the need to str­engthen mechanisms for rehabilitation of drug addicts in the country, the minister lamented that disintegration of joint family system accelerated by the growing urbanisation has made the situation grave. Social Justice Minister Mukul Wasnik promised to increase the number of rehabilitation centres and organise vigorous campaign among the vulnerable sections of society.

“With 416 integrated rehabilitation centres for drug addicts operating in the country with the support of the ministry, complete attention is being given to ensure quality services,” Wasnik claimed.

Awareness run

Over 3,000 people participated in a “run” organised here on Sunday to create awareness about the challenges of drug addiction.

The run, which was flagged off by Delhi Women and Child Development Minister Kiran Walia near India Gate, was attended by members of Narcotics Control Bureau, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, Coast Guards, SSB, CISF, NCC and students from various educational institutions.