State-level trg prog on drug-related issues ends

ITANAGAR, 31 Jan: A three-day state-level training programme on ‘Drug-related issues in Arunachal Pradesh,’ organised by the State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), concluded here on Wednesday.

The programme, sponsored by the union rural development ministry, was aimed at addressing growing concerns over drug abuse, and equipping the stakeholders with knowledge and strategies to ensure effective prevention of drug abuse.

The first day of the programme featured a series of technical sessions, during which SIRD&PR Assistant Director Dr Mihin Lali delved into “the expectations, myths, and misconceptions about drug-related issues,” the institute informed in a release.

SIRD&PR faculty member SW Bagang highlighted the critical roles played by SHGs, NGOs and CBOs in “implementing strategies for youth leadership in drug prevention,” while child psychology counsellor Dr Ide Eshi spoke on the need of counselling, and on “ethical consideration,” the release stated.

The participants were later taken on a visit to the drug de-addiction centre, Sudhar Ghar, run by Kripa Foundation, in Lekhi, and to Asha Bhavan, a rehabilitation centre in Banderdewa, on the second day.

On the concluding day, the participants discussed potential collaborative efforts to combat drug-related challenges in the state.

SIRD&PR Assistant Director Tamar Baki was the course director of the programme, which saw the participation of panchayat members, volunteers, community-based organisations, and non-governmental organisations.