Mizoram Government is all set to make special budgetary provision for combating the growing menace of drug abuse in the State.
Also read: Drug abuse kills over 1,500 people in Mizoram since 1984
This was informed by Mizoram social welfare minister, Dr K Beichhua in Aizawl on Sunday.
The minister also said that the Mizo National Front (MNF) government headed by Zoramthanga is giving utmost concern to people who have been affected by drugs, according to reports.
He further said that the government is taking efforts to set up new de-addiction centres besides strengthening the existing ones.
Also read: Mizoram govt facilitates de-addiction training for 30 employees
The minister added that the government is determined to curb the menace for which separate budgetary provision is on the card and this will be tabled in the budget session to be held in March next.
Citing that peaceful social life is the primary need of the state, Beichhua said socio-economic development is meaningless unless there is peace in society. He also said that the growing drug menace has to be checked in order to restore peaceful social life.
In spite of massive efforts taken by the State Government and civil society organizations, Mizoram continues to grapple with rampant drug abuse especially among youngsters.
It can be mentioned here that Mizoram has also witnessed an increase in drug related deaths since three to four years.
According to government record, at least 1,529 people, including 173 women have died due to drug abuse since 1984.
During last year, at least 56 people, including 10 women have died due to drug abuse. The the first month of the current year alone, at least 5 people, including a female have also died due to substance abuse.
Meanwhile, as a part of measures to combat drug menace, the State Government had on January 30 sent 30 workers from various de-addiction centres in the State for a nine-day intensive training to a Chennai based hospital-cum-research institute.
The workers returned to the State last week on completion of the training.
