Shopian District has been honored as the “Best Performing District” in a national initiative to prevent drug abuse and trafficking among children.
The award, presented by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), highlights the district’s exceptional work in implementing the Joint Action Plan (JAP) against drug abuse.
The award ceremony, held in New Delhi, saw the presence of the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, who presented the accolade to a senior official representing the District Commissioner, Faz Lul Haseeb.
Over the past two years, the Shopian District Administration, in collaboration with the police, has led a vigorous campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, a press release of the District Information Officer, Shopian stated.
The DIO further said that these efforts have included stringent control measures on the sale of scheduled drugs, installation of CCTV cameras at pharmacies, and rigorous enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) around educational institutions.
“Additionally, medical stores have been closely monitored by Drug and Child Welfare Officers, and Prahari Clubs in schools have conducted numerous training sessions and awareness programs. The district’s proactive measures have yielded remarkable results, with no reported cases under Sections 77 and 78 of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, which concern the sale and procurement of substances to and by children,” read the press release.
He emphasized the district’s commitment to continuing its efforts to combat drug abuse and to ensure a drug-free environment for future generations.
The recognition from the NCPCR serves as a testament to the district’s hard work and sets a benchmark for others to follow in the fight against drug abuse.