Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 10: The J&K High Court has directed the Central Government to submit report with regard to release of funds to the State Government for establishment of drug de-addiction centers in the State.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, a division bench of the court directed state Government to inform the court about the implementation of Drug De-addiction Policy. Previously, the court has underlined that urgent steps are required to be taken on this extremely serious matter.
Observing that the menace of drug addiction was looming large in Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K High Court last year directed Joint Secretary, (J&K Affairs), Ministry of Home Affairs New Delhi, to inform it about the steps taken to curb the menace of Drug Addiction and providing of Drug De-addiction Centers in the State.
"We expect the newly added respondent, Joint Secretary, (J&K Affairs), Government of lndia, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, to respond to the proposal of the State Government keeping in mind the situation prevailing in the State of J&K for establishing drug de-addiction centers in various Districts of the state as indicated in the letter dated 16.02.2018 of the Special Director General of Police, J&K," the court had said. The court had directed the Government to delineate various methods to curb the menace of drug addiction which has been "looming large in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.'
Accordingly, it had directed the Government to ensure the establishment of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers.
"As to the effectiveness of de-addiction centers is concerned it requires regular monitoring and hence the Chief Secretary of the State is directed to hold regular meetings with the concerned department and NGOs so that the issue relating drug de-addiction and the impact on the citizens of Jammu &Kashmir State is addressed. The Government shall deliberate on the methods adopted by other States for establishment of de-addiction and rehabilitation centers. The expertise from other sources will have some relevance as the issue is of concern all over the Country and the World," the court had said, adding, "It is desirable and advantageous if the Government of Jammu & Kashmir will revisit the Drug De-addiction Policy in the State and provide a more comprehensive mechanism to address this malady." |
