In what may be termed as a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking, the DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission) was launched at the U Soso Tham Auditorium on 26th of June, 2023, on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, officially launched the DREAM Policy, underlining the government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse in the state. The event was organized by the Meghalaya Police and Social Welfare Department under the theme “People First: Stop Stigma & Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,”.
It may be recalled that The Meghalaya Cabinet on January 12, 2023 passed the Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM). The vision of the targeted mission is to build a “Drug free Meghalaya” that leverages culture and communities through a multifaceted coordinated strategy to eliminate the incidence of substance use in the state. The same has been formally launched today.
During his speech, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the devastating effects of drug abuse, not only on individuals but also on families and society as a whole. Recognizing the crucial role of the youth in building a better future, he stressed the importance of collective action and community engagement in preventing drug abuse. The Chief Minister commended the Meghalaya Police for their dedication in tackling drug trafficking and urged them to continue their efforts. Drawing attention to the magnitude of the issue, the Chief Minister also mentioned the extensive efforts being made at the national level to combat drug abuse.
‘’I have full faith in the DREAM Mission, which is a meticulously planned initiative with a budget allocation of 50 crores for 5 years. This comprehensive program has been designed to achieve tangible results through targeted interventions and strategic implementation.” He further appealed to religious organizations, NGOs, and all citizens, saying, “I urge religious organizations, NGOs, and every citizen to prioritize the fight against drug abuse. This is not solely the responsibility of the government; it requires the active involvement of all stakeholders. Let us come together and make this our agenda, giving it the highest priority.”
As part of the Meghalaya State Health Policy launched in May 2021, the State is adopting a holistic lifecycle approach for encouraging preventive and promotive healthcare, along with upholding the curative and enabling dimensions. As part of the lifecycle approach of the State Health Policy, Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) has been built upon the existing Drug Abuse Prevention Policy, 2020. This is an effort by the State Government towards providing the youth with greater capabilities and opportunities to realize their potential, rather than falling into debt trap activities.
Through his direct speech, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the DREAM Mission and urged the community to unite in the fight against drug abuse, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in creating a better and brighter future for Meghalaya. He added, “Only by working together can we overcome this menace and create a drug-free Meghalaya. I am confident that with our combined efforts, we can achieve our goal.”
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp, followed by the felicitation of guests and a welcome speech by Shri D. N. R. Marak, IPS, Dy. Inspector General of Police (ER). The Commissioner & Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Pravin Bakshi, presented the comprehensive plan of the DREAM Mission, emphasizing the urgent need to address the drug epidemic. He also shed light on the institutional structure and social mobilization aspects of the initiative.
The Commissioner & Secretary said, “The statistics regarding tobacco and alcohol consumption are deeply concerning. It is imperative that we take immediate action to address these issues and protect our citizens from the harmful effects of substance abuse.”
He further emphasized the importance of convergence among government institutions, stating, “To address the multifaceted nature of the drug abuse problem, we must facilitate convergence among various government departments and agencies. By working together, we can pool our resources, expertise, and efforts to tackle this issue comprehensively,” he said.
The event also witnessed a presentation by Meghalaya DGP Lajja Ram Bishnoi who highlighted the global nature of drug abuse and trafficking. He emphasized the significance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking and outlined five essential objectives of creating awareness and empowering youth through preventive interventions.
DGP Bishnoi discussed the vulnerabilities of Meghalaya due to its geographical location, ease of availability, and social factors contributing to drug abuse. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, interstate cooperation, and capacity building to combat this menace.
The program ended with a powerful skit performed by the Meghalaya Police Cultural Troupe, highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse. A testimonial was also shared, offering valuable insights and a way forward.