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Time of India
28-05-2025
- Time of India
UT to develop portal to keep track of schedule H drugs
Chandigarh: For real-time monitoring of all schedule H drugs, the Chandigarh administration will develop a portal where chemists can upload records of such drugs available with them. Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav chaired a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) on Tuesday to discuss prevailing issues related to drug trafficking, substance abuse, and associated public health and safety concerns within the UT. The meeting aimed to reinforce enforcement mechanisms, streamline inter-departmental coordination, and ensure effective ground-level execution of anti-drug measures. During the deliberations, Yadav directed all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to inspect a minimum of three chemist shops per month in their respective jurisdictions. These inspections are to be conducted in collaboration with drug inspectors to ensure comprehensive compliance with regulatory norms governing the sale and distribution of pharmaceutical substances. A key focus of the directive was to ensure that all chemist shops within UT Chandigarh are equipped with functional and strategically positioned CCTV cameras providing full visual coverage of the shop premises. It is also mandated that all such CCTV systems maintain a minimum backup storage capacity of 30 days of recorded footage. This measure is being instituted as a deterrent against illegal activities and to strengthen accountability in the pharmaceutical retail sector. It was further emphasised that any instance of non-compliance or regulatory violation identified during such inspections shall attract strict punitive action in accordance with the relevant provisions of law. The district information officer was directed to develop a portal where chemists can upload records of all scheduled-H drugs available with them for real-time monitoring. Officials of the health department were directed to start a drug de-addiction centre at GMSH Sector 16, Chandigarh. Additionally, the education department, UT Chandigarh, has been instructed to undertake a comprehensive survey to identify and eliminate the presence of any tobacco vendors operating within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions. A consolidated report on the action taken is to be submitted to the superintendent of police (crime), UT, within 15 days from the date of issuance of this directive. Furthermore, the police department and education department have been jointly tasked with preparing and implementing a structured action plan aimed at conducting awareness campaigns and educational programmes to sensitize students and youth about the dangers of drug abuse. These initiatives are intended to build resilience, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and foster a drug-free environment across the city. The meeting also took note of the nationwide launch of the Tele MANAS (Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) initiative by the govt of India. This programme offers round-the-clock mental health counselling and support services through telephone and digital platforms. The primary objective of Tele MANAS is to provide timely emotional support, coping strategies, and professional referrals to individuals experiencing psychological distress, mental health disorders, or stress-related issues. Citizens are encouraged to avail themselves of the free and confidential services of Tele MANAS by calling the national mental health helpline number 14416.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Strict measures necessary to curb drug abuse in Udupi district: DC
Udupi: All departments must work in coordination to completely curb the transportation, sale, and usage of narcotic substances in the district, said DC Vidya Kumari K. Presiding over the district-level co-ordination committee meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) on Wednesday, she said, "Youth are increasingly drawn towards narcotic substances. Awareness campaigns and various competitions should be organised in educational institutions to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug use and to discourage consumption." She noted that such programmes are already being conducted in certain institutions, and emphasised the need to collect data on how effective these programmes have been. She also pointed out that labourers are getting addicted to tobacco products and other narcotics, and instructed the labour department officials to conduct awareness and de-addiction programmes at workplaces to help individuals steer clear of substance abuse. Officials from the agriculture, horticulture, and forest departments were directed to periodically inspect farms and plantations to ensure that cannabis is not being cultivated. While there have been no complaints regarding narcotics being transported through postal parcels, the DC stressed the need to inspect private parcel service offices and online marketplace warehouses as well. She further instructed railway staff to remain vigilant about drug trafficking at stations and investigate any suspicious individuals. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo The coastal security police must inspect fishing harbours regularly, to check for drug supply routes and monitor drug sales and trafficking at beaches. The DC also informed that nine cases of unsafe food items were registered in the additional DC's court, of which, six resulted in fines totalling Rs 80,000. The remaining three cases are ongoing. Additionally, six cases related to hazardous food items are under trial in the JMFC court. She directed officials to regularly collect food samples from ready-to-eat items sold in the market and send them for lab analysis. SP Arun K said that restricted and prescription drugs should not be sold freely to the public, and the district drug control officers must monitor pharmacies strictly. He urged everyone to work together to make Udupi a drug-free district. The meeting was attended by ASP PA Hegde, DFO Ganapathi and other district officers.
