Workshop held on prevention of alcoholism, drug abuse held at USTM

KHANAPARA: A workshop on 'Quality Practices for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Prevention' was held on Wednesday at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). The workshop was organized by the PQH School of Education, USTM, in collaboration with State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA), Drug Prevention for Assam and Meghalaya. It has been supported by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and NISD, NSS Cell of USTM.

Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, delivered the welcome speech and encouraged the students to understand the issue of substance abuse. A pre-evaluation form was circulated among the students by Anamriya Baruah, Project Coordinator, State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA)-Assam and Meghalaya, to understand how much the students are informed about the issue stated a press release.

Dr Sondeep Hanse, Chief Functionary of State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA) of Assam and Meghalaya, enlightened the students about the circulation of substances worldwide. He said that under the NDPS Act, people who use illicit substances are punishable for six months or one year of imprisonment. The students were introduced to National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), stating that selling and consuming more than 10 mg of illicit substances is punishable by law for up to 10 years.

P Baidya, officer in-charge of Khanapara Police Station, also addressed the workshop and discussed the legal aspects of substance abuse.

Dr Hrishikesh Sarma, Psychiatrist, GMCH, talked about the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse. "Giving up on substances is not easy. Medical treatment may be required", he stated.

After the workshop, post evaluation was carried out by Upasana Deka, Documentation Officer, State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA) of Assam and Meghalaya, who introduced the students to NAPDDR to understand how much the students have learned due to the workshop. The workshop ended with the vote of thanks extended by Upasana Deka.

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