Mizoram CM stresses skill devpt for drug addicts in rehab centres

Aizawl: Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma emphasised the need for after-care skill development to ensure a complete cure for drug addicts being treated at rehabilitation homes and to take steps to include skill development facilities within such centres.

In a discussion held with state social welfare minister Lalrinpuii and department officials on Friday evening, Lalduhoma said if addiction centres and rehabilitation homes can incorporate skill development in their respective ‘homes', the state govt is ready to provide grant-in-aid for such ventures.

Officials of the state social welfare department while explaining their plans said the expansion of all the 11 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAS) has been initiated. Funds have been sought from the ministry of tribal affairs for establishment of IRCAS in Saitual, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Lawngtlai and Mamit, where IRCAS are yet to be established.

The proposed Multi-Disciplinary Treatment & Training Centre (MDTTC) at Thingsulthliah town in Aizawl district and the proposal for the improvement and running of Jordan Centre at Sethawn village in Kolasib district bordering Assam were also discussed in the meeting.

Later in the day, Lalrinpuii held discussions with representatives of the major civil societies and umbrella organisations of church denominations, including Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), conglomerate of 16 churches and Council of Churches Mizoram (CCM), a union of nine church denominations. She underscored the need for strict adherence to the guidelines under Mizoram Drug (Controlled Substance) Act, 2016 and the Mizoram Drug Treatment-cum Rehabilitation Centre Accreditation Rules, 2019, in managing after rehabilitation institutions.

She further said the state govt will provide funding to institutions following these acts and rules by duly registering with the govt. She also appealed for cooperating with the govt in combating drug menace and treatment of addicts.

The church leaders, while expressing grave concern about rampant drug addiction, suggested creation of mass awareness in prevention of drug addiction and training by experts.

Mizoram shares 404km-long porous International Border with Myanmar and the neighbouring country's close proximity with the Golden Triangle makes the state vulnerable for clandestine operations of drug traffickers and has been one of the main conduits for illegal smugglers and traffickers to the west from Southeast Asian countries.