Workshop on ‘Quality Practices for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Prevention’ held at USTM

HT Bureau

GUWAHATI, Jan 11: A workshop on ‘Quality Practices for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Prevention’ was held on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Administrative Block of University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya. The workshop was organised 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 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India 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.

Dr Sondeep Hanse, chief functionary of State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA)-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. The students were introduced to National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), stating that selling and consuming more than 10mg of illicit substances is punishable by law for up to 10 years.

1. 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)-Assam and Meghalaya introduced the students to NAPDDR to understand how much the students have learned due to the workshop. The workshop ended with a vote of thanks extended by Upasana Deka, Documentation officer, SLCA- Assam & Meghalaya.