Consider the following statements:

1. Jammu and Kashmir is the third among all states/Union Territories in the country to have a comprehensive drug de-addiction policy.
2. Among the Union Territories, Puducherry was the first one to have such a policy in place.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory in the country, after Punjab state, having a comprehensive drug de-addiction policy envisaged to weed out this atrocious menace from society.

The urgency to formulate a drug de-addiction policy by Jammu and Kashmir administration is due to the location of the UT in the vicinity of “Golden Crescent”.

Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified its efforts to fight narco-terrorism being unleashed by unscrupulous elements from across neighboring countries.

 It has come out with a detailed mechanism to supervise and review implementation of Drug De-addiction Policy and has even roped in civil society members in the endeavor so that drug menace is fought effectively.

For the purpose, on the administrative side, UT Level Policy Implementation Monitoring Committee and Jammu and Kashmir Division Level De-addiction Centre Monitoring Committees have been constituted.

These committees have been assigned the task of inspecting the existing de-addiction facilities in Jammu and Kashmir and grant or cancel licenses after thorough inspection of infrastructure, manpower and standards of care.

The committees have also been entrusted with the task of advising various stakeholders from time to time in implementation of Drug De-addiction Policy on ground and look at monitoring of prescription drug abuse and suggest remedial measures to the Drug Controller.

The policy also focuses on various key aspects including prevention, rehabilitation and integration, training and sensitization, community participation, generating awareness and upgradation/establishment of drug de-addiction centers.

By: A D Singh