Port Blair, Nov. 20: An orientation cum awareness programme on de-addiction was conducted by the District Administration in coordination with the District Health Society (SA), District Child Protection Unit, District Level Centre for Women, Directorate of Health Services, Police Department and Nehru Yuva Kendra.

Shri. Suneeel Anchipaka, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (SA) along with Shri. Hari Kallikkat, IAS, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SA) and Shri. Vinay Kumar Jindal, DANICS, Assistant Commissioner (HQ) inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. In his address, the DC (SA) informed the gathering that drug addiction and suicide is the greatest concern of A & N Islands and therefore the District Administration has taken the initiative to prevent the youths from the ill effects of drugs and reduce the suicide rate in the Islands. Further he added that the above task to be carried out with the close coordination of different line departments so that Administration may achieve the target.

Also, the Assistant Commissioner (HQ) has given the brief presentation on the vision of de-addiction programme in the district. He informed that the District Administration constituted the District Cell for Drug Demand Reduction to monitor the de-addiction programme and implementation of the activities of Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for addicts. Further, he added that 15 bedded Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts will be setup by the District Administration and District level mass awareness campaign shall be carried out at block and village level under all Municipal and Panchayat area.

The DC (SA) also distributed the Drug Kit Bag and uniform to the ASHA workers.

Further, the other officials of JNRM College, Psychology Unit, Directorate of Health Services, District Child Protection Unit, Police Department, District Level Centre for Women present on the occasion are also briefed the gathering on different topics of de-addiction. Earlier, Shri. B. Nagendra, District Programme Manager, District Health Society , South Andaman welcomed the officials, ANMs, ASHA workers and volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra present on the occasion and also thanked all with request to continue their active participation in the community level activities.