A deputation of Civil Society Forum Kashmir called on Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary in Civil Secretariat here and submitted a memorandum requesting firm efforts to curb the menace of drug addiction in Jammu & Kashmir.

The deputation also apprised the Deputy CM regarding drug addiction spreading in an alarming manner across educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, and coaching centres stressing on urgent need to address the issue in a systematic, coordinated, and evidence-based manner.

The deputation suggested various recommendations to combat and control drug addiction within educational institutions including Institutional Monitoring Committees, enhanced surveillance and security, faculty training and capacity building, monitoring of vendors, Anti-Narcotics awareness camps etc.

Understanding the seriousness of the issue, the Deputy Chief Minister called for collective efforts aimed at tackling drug addiction and ensuring safer educational environment.

He said that drugs have severely impacted the social fabric of our society which needs urgent address

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed on coordination between educational institutions and local police, health departments, and de-addiction centres for joint interventions, awareness drives, and response mechanisms.

Choudhary also advised for conducting biannual parent counselling sessions and educational workshops to help families recognize signs of drug abuse.