Latest news with #Anti-DrugDay
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
2–3% Indians addicted to drugs, 90% of them remain untreated: AIIMS director
Nagpur: Sharing data from a 2019 study done by AIIMS Delhi, Dr Prashant Joshi, CEO and executive director of AIIMS Nagpur, said that 2–3% of India's population is affected by opioid and cannabis addiction . "Nearly 80–90 per cent of them remain untreated, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, due to the lack of awareness, facilities, and trained personnel," he said. Speaking at the Anti-Drug Day national conference, Joshi stressed the need for context-specific, evidence-based interventions and stronger public health systems. "Addiction requires early identification, compassionate care, and structured treatment. Telemedicine platforms like Tele-MANAS are vital in bridging the treatment gap where physical services are unavailable. Paramedical staff must be trained to recognise signs early and guide patients towards proper care," he said. Additional director general of prisons, Maharashtra, Suhas Warke, revealed that 80 per cent of the inmates in jails are currently undertrials, with only 20 per cent convicted. "Trials under the NDPS are very lengthy, and the accused remain in jail the whole time," he said. Giving the example of Byculla prison, he said that it is filled with youths convicted in minor crimes like pickpocketing and robbery, which they committed to feed their drug addiction. "Through Mission Prayas, 1,300 prisoners have been rehabilitated and 3,000 released prisoners have been counselled," he said. He further highlighted reforms under the Galabhet initiative, where jail inmates struggling with addiction are given structured support — family visits every two months, phone access, community radio, and regular counselling from professional NGOs. Civic chief Abhijeet Chaudhari emphasized the need for increased awareness about rehabilitation options, stating that the drug problem cannot be addressed solely by the police. "Only when families begin open conversations about drug abuse can real solutions emerge," he said. Chaudhari added that the conference had provided valuable insights that could aid in framing more effective, updated drug policies. "NMC stands firmly with the city police in this collective fight against drugs," he affirmed. Nitin Ghorpade, a survivor of alcohol addiction, shared his remarkable transformation. For 15 years, he had battled severe addiction. In the early stages of recovery, people avoided his calls and doubted his intentions. As his health improved and mindset changed, people started noticing his determination. Today, he is not only clean but has completed five Ironman triathlons — one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Ranjit Deol, principal secretary, school education, said, "Parents and teachers must be trained to spot early signs of drug use — sudden isolation, mood swings, or withdrawal. Schools should integrate drug education into the curriculum and engage parents directly. Policies must fund tech-based interventions, enable early response systems, and ensure all stakeholders act before addiction begins."
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Hans India
DIG urges youth to stay away from drugs
Vizianagaram: DIG Gopinath Jatti of the Visakhapatnam range urged youth and students to steer clear of drugs and other sedatives. He emphasised the importance of focusing on their studies and careers rather than engaging in poor habits. On Thursday, the police department observed an Anti-Drug Day. Speaking on the occasion, DIG Jatti said that strict action is being taken against those involved in cannabis cultivation. In the past, cannabis was grown on 15,000 acres in the agency areas, but with the help of drone technology, these crops were identified and destroyed. Due to the police's enforcement efforts, cannabis cultivation has now been reduced to just 93 acres in remote hilltop villages. He expressed optimism that steps are being taken to completely eliminate cannabis cultivation in the near future. To date, properties worth Rs 9.20 crore belonging to eight individuals involved in the cannabis trade within the Visakhapatnam Range have been confiscated. District collector Dr BR Ambedkar highlighted that young people are particularly vulnerable to drug habits and emphasized the necessity of awareness programs like this one. He stressed that such initiatives are crucial for bringing youth together and educating them about the dangers associated with drug use. SP Vakul Jindal noted that controlling drug-related issues poses a significant challenge for society. The district police are raising awareness through programs like 'Sankalpam' and mobile awareness vehicles. He emphasised the necessity for everyone to comprehend the destructive impact drugs can have on careers and lives. Jindal said that students' often underestimate the risks of trying drugs even once, not realising how quickly addiction can take hold. Some youth, once addicted, resort to petty thefts due to financial constraints, leading them down a path of criminal behaviour. So far, the district has registered 200 cases, arrested 360 individuals, and seized large quantities of cannabis. History sheets have been created for offenders, and their movements are being closely monitored. He warned that anyone found using, selling, or transporting cannabis will face strict legal action. Prior to the program, a large rally was organized with student participation.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Justice Sayeed: Dedicated police team needed to tackle drug menace effectively
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: Justice MA Sayeed, former member of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, has urged the creation of separate police teams for protocol duties and crime investigation to improve the efficiency of anti-narcotics operations. Addressing the city police's Anti-Drug Day programme under Operation Thunder, Justice Sayeed said that the present structure overstretches the force, hampering focused investigation. "The Malimath Commission has already suggested this segregation. The city commissioner must formally move the home ministry," he said. Justice Sayeed stressed the importance of creating dedicated investigation units trained specifically for narcotics-related offences under the NDPS Act. "You need a strong, informed team to tackle the drug menace effectively. This is not just about arrests, it's about long-term disruption of the supply chain," he said. Highlighting the crucial role of NGOs, legal services authorities, and schools in sensitizing both youth and families, he said, "We always speak of rights, but the conversation must start with ethics, duties and discipline. If we want to create good citizens, we must guide the youth before they stray," he said, recalling how during his stint in Nagpur in 2001, he once saw school students casually smoking at a pan shop. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Invisible Patch Is Helping Women Regain Confidence LeanPatch Learn More Undo He chose to confront and counsel them. Praising the police force, Sayeed said that it is easy to label police as corrupt, but he has seen first-hand the kind of hard work Maharashtra police puts in. "Public, police, and judiciary must work together, not in isolation. Mutual respect and trust are essential," Former Nagpur commissioner of police (CP) and retired DGP Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay backed Operation Thunder's approach, calling it a "corrective shift" in drug law enforcement. "The real problem lies with the peddlers, not the users. Drug addicts are victims, they need help. The ones filling their pockets by ruining lives are the ones who should be behind bars," he said. Upadhyay, who served in Nagpur for over a decade, stressed the need for consistency in such operations. "Peddler networks regenerate if not continuously crushed. Long-term intelligence, regular enforcement and coordination with agencies are key." CP Ravinder Singal briefed the audience on the impact of Operation Thunder. Over 1,000 suspects have been apprehended, and the SIMBA app has been central in tracking offender data. "From tip-offs to late-night raids, we've covered every angle. One mother told us how her teenage son got hooked to drugs and slowly slipped into burglary. The downward spiral begins silently — early awareness is our best weapon," he said. Inspector general Dilip Bhujbal emphasised multi-agency collaboration and noted the operation's reach across educational and public zones. MLA Ashish Deshmukh too praised the initiative and recalled past de-addiction efforts in Khaparkheda that revealed how drug dependency often fuels petty crimes. Acting vice-chancellor of the Nagpur University, Madhavi Khode-Chaware, was also present at the occasion.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
2–3% Indians addicted to drugs, 90% of them remain untreated: AIIMS director
Nagpur: Sharing data from a 2019 study done by AIIMS Delhi, Dr Prashant Joshi, CEO and executive director of AIIMS Nagpur, said that 2–3% of India's population is affected by opioid and cannabis addiction. "Nearly 80–90% of them remain untreated, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, due to the lack of awareness, facilities, and trained personnel," he said. Speaking at the Anti-Drug Day national conference, Joshi stressed the need for context-specific, evidence-based interventions and stronger public health systems. "Addiction requires early identification, compassionate care, and structured treatment. Telemedicine platforms like Tele-MANAS are vital in bridging the treatment gap where physical services are unavailable. Paramedical staff must be trained to recognise signs early and guide patients towards proper care," he said. Additional director general of prisons, Maharashtra, Suhas Warke, revealed that 80% of the inmates in jails are currently undertrials, with only 20% convicted. "Trials under the NDPS are very lengthy, and the accused remain in jail the whole time," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Genova: AudioNova cerca per un test 700 persone nate prima del 1974 AudioNova Undo Giving the example of Byculla prison, he said that it is filled with youths convicted in minor crimes like pickpocketing and robbery, which they committed to feed their drug addiction. "Through Mission Prayas, 1,300 prisoners have been rehabilitated and 3,000 released prisoners have been counselled," he said. He further highlighted reforms under the Galabhet initiative, where jail inmates struggling with addiction are given structured support — family visits every two months, phone access, community radio, and regular counselling from professional NGOs. Civic chief Abhijeet Chaudhari emphasized the need for increased awareness about rehabilitation options, stating that the drug problem cannot be addressed solely by the police. "Only when families begin open conversations about drug abuse can real solutions emerge," he said. Chaudhari added that the conference had provided valuable insights that could aid in framing more effective, updated drug policies. "NMC stands firmly with the city police in this collective fight against drugs," he affirmed. Nitin Ghorpade, a survivor of alcohol addiction, shared his remarkable transformation. For 15 years, he had battled severe addiction. In the early stages of recovery, people avoided his calls and doubted his intentions. As his health improved and mindset changed, people started noticing his determination. Today, he is not only clean but has completed five Ironman triathlons — one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Ranjit Deol, principal secretary, school education, said, "Parents and teachers must be trained to spot early signs of drug use — sudden isolation, mood swings, or withdrawal. Schools should integrate drug education into the curriculum and engage parents directly. Policies must fund tech-based interventions, enable early response systems, and ensure all stakeholders act before addiction begins."
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Time of India
Higher education department initiates state level anti-drug action plan on Anti-Drug Day
T'puram: Higher education department is initiating a comprehensive state-level action plan against substance abuse on Anti-Drug Day, June 26. Colleges affiliated with various universities under the higher education department and those under the Directorate of Collegiate Education will observe Anti-Drug Day. Teachers, non-teaching staff, students, guardians and alumni will take an anti-drug pledge, higher education minister R Bindu said on Tuesday. The celebration will be inaugurated by Bindu at the Govt Women's College auditorium. The inauguration will kickstart a year-long anti-drug initiative in colleges, the minister said. The chief minister will officially launch the state-level anti-drug action plan. One of the major decisions proposed is to demand college students submit a written affidavit pledging not to use drugs or engage in drug-related crimes. You Can Also Check: Thiruvananthapuram AQI | Weather in Thiruvananthapuram | Bank Holidays in Thiruvananthapuram | Public Holidays in Thiruvananthapuram Arrangements were made in all colleges to watch and participate in the state-level inauguration and the anti-drug pledge programme led by the minister online. Extensive awareness programmes in technical and other colleges have been prepared. Student flash mob teams have been organised to perform at bus stands and major junctions. Discussions to prevent drug use and distribution will be held in all classes. Institutions were instructed to prepare a master plan for a drug-free campus, which will be discussed in class assemblies on Thursday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Post Anti-Drug Day, action plans for activities in colleges have been outlined, Bindu said. The 'Azad Sena,' formed under the National Service Scheme (NSS), will lead ongoing anti-drug activities. With the help of the excise department, Vimukthi Clubs will be established on all campuses. Programmes like Shradha and Nerkootam will be launched in universities, professional education institutions and colleges. Vigilance committees named 'Drug-Free College Protection Committee' and 'Drug-Free University Campus Protection Committee' will be formed at the institutional level, with monthly reviews of their activities. Participation from the NSS, NCC, Vimukthi Club and PTA will be ensured.
