Srinagar, Nov 26: The Civil Society Forum Kashmir (Health) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation for the bold and timely initiative by the General Administration Department of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir in constituting a high-powered Task Force devoted to the rehabilitation of persons afflicted by drug abuse.
This Task Force, which includes administrative secretaries from all major departments such as Home, Finance, General Administration, Social Welfare, Skill Development, Labour & Employment, Economics & Statistics, and School & Higher Education, represents a comprehensive and coordinated approach necessary to tackle the multifaceted menace of substance abuse across the Union Territory, reads a statement issued to the INS.
By involving such a broad spectrum of departments, the government has laid the foundation for a robust mechanism that addresses not only supply reduction but also demand reduction, harm mitigation, risk reduction, and long-term rehabilitation and reintegration of affected individuals. We believe this will go a long way in ensuring timely rehabilitation and mainstreaming of drug-abuse victims in J&K.
CSFK-HEALTH also appreciated the efforts and support of Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, J&K, who has taken the innovative step of designating nodal officers across all colleges in the region. This initiative to conduct training programmes aimed at creating a pool of counsellors within higher educational institutions reflects a grassroots-level commitment to community rehabilitation and prevention. Such campus-based counselling infrastructure can play a pivotal role in early intervention, peer support, and reintegration of vulnerable youth, thereby amplifying the overall impact of the Task Force.
At the same time, the Civil Society Forum Kashmir (Health) recommends that the Medical Education Department also be included as a formal member of the Task Force. We urge that medical professionals — including psychiatrists, addiction specialists, and physicians — be engaged directly in planning and implementation. Their expertise will be invaluable in designing evidence-based treatment protocols, monitoring health outcomes, and ensuring that rehabilitation services meet international standards of care.
“We wish to once again extend our sincerest thanks to Chief Secretary J&K for his visionary leadership and robust efforts to curb the menace of drug addiction in J&K on scientific lines and ground reality,” the statement reads.
Under this collective and coordinated framework — combining administrative authority, educational outreach, medical expertise, and community mobilisation — we believe J&K can usher in a safer, healthier, and drug-free future for our youth and society at large.
