IMPHAL, August 23: The problem of substance abuse is acute and widespread in the state as in other parts of the world and the United Nations and many countries have invested a lot on researches to tackle the problem of drug abuse and minimize drug related harms said Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai, today.
She was attending the second day of the state level workshop on “Substance abuse against children” organized jointly by the National Commission and Protection of Child Rights and the Department of Social Welfare at Hotel Classic.
Addressing the workshop, she said it is unfortunate that a state like Manipur which stands out in the fields of literacy, health and sports is also struggling with problems of substance abuse by the youth, especially by young people below 20 years.
To effectively ta ckle the problem, it requires active involvement and participation of stakeholders including the state ministers and agencies, state departments, law enforcement agencies, foreign governments, civil societies, media and researchers, she said.
She continued that the Manipur State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is now playing an active role and various sections of societies have contributed towards mitigating the impact of drug abuse and the civil societies have been making valuable contribution in providing treatment and rehabilitation services. She continued that the government has provided funds under various schemes to fight substance abuse.
The government of Manipur is committed to support the State Commission for Protection of Child Right and has already taken up steps to ensure proper and timely monitoring the effective provision of child rights, she said. She further urged all to fight against substance abuse to make a drug free zone.