Shri G. Sudhakaran, Hon’ble Minister for Public Works and Registration,
Shri V.S. Sivakumar, MLA,
Advocate V.K. Prasanth, Mayor,
Prof. (Dr.) Shaji Prabhakaran, Chairman, Anti-Narcotic Action Centre of India,
Shri Janab Suhaib Maulavi V.P.,
Dr. Santhamma Mathew,
Shri Kallikadu Babu, Director, ANACI,
Shri S. Ajith Kumar, Chief Co-ordinator, ANACI,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am very happy to inaugurate the State Level Observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organized by the anti Narcotic Action Centre of India.
This Day, which was initiated by the United Nations, is observed to raise awareness about the major problems caused in society by illicit drugs. Individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world have been lending support to this observance, considering the importance of the message it conveys.
Let me, therefore, begin by appreciating the efforts of Anti Narcotic Action Centre of India (ANACI) for observing this Day in Kerala. I am informed that as a voluntary organization with head quarters in New Delhi, ANACI has successfully carried out the Goodbye to Intoxication programme in over 1000 villages. Besides, they have been undertaking over a dozen social development programmes like Anti-Narcotic Youth Clubs, Tribal welfare and Art Promotion, Women Empowerment, Organic Farming etc.
The dedicated efforts of this and many other organizations have great relevance in today's context, since it is reported that nearly 200 million people are known to be using illicit drugs of various types worldwide. The use of such drugs is seen as a major cause of disorientation among a majority of the youth. At the national level, India records about 10 suicides daily due to drug or alcohol addiction. What is really worrying is that Kerala is one among the five States that are at the top of the table of drug-related suicides. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 3,647 such suicide cases in India in 2014, of which Maharashtra reported the highest, at 1,372. This was followed by Tamil Nadu, with 552 cases and Kerala, with 475. This certainly is worrying.
In Kerala, of late, it is known that there is a five-fold increase in the substance abuse cases among children and that in some districts, school students were named in a large number of cases registered last year. It is sad to note that even school children are made to become part of the supply chain in drug trade.
In fact, I remember being informed that since June 2016, the Excise Department in Kerala has lodged about 3,600 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act from all districts and arrested 3,900 persons. The National Crime Records Bureau also tells us that Kochi stands second only to Amritsar in terms of the highest number of drug abuse cases in the country. All these facts point to the magnitude of the situation in our State.
In fact, the rampant use of alcohol and drugs is an issue that no society can ignore. We know that the Directive Principles of our Constitution cites Prohibition as one of the responsibilities of the government. But, the magnitude of the issue of alcoholism and substance abuse is so alarming that governmental measures alone may not be enough to control the damage. It is in such a scenario that the role of voluntary organizations as corrective forces comes to the fore.
Narcotics is a silent enemy with a destructive power beyond our imagination. Those who pass these dangerous drugs to our children are more active and scheming than we think. Freeing a child from the clutches of addiction, is a real struggle. Therefore, what we need is constant vigil on the part of school authorities and parents in detecting even the slightest trace of inclination towards substance abuse among youngsters.
The competition in the educational environment is often cited as a reason for lesser informal interaction among students. This has led to many children getting alienated from their peer groups. Schools should encourage more interaction among children through activities that enable them to contribute to society in their own ways. It is through such interactions that they identify the good and the bad in society and develop a sense of determination.
A very serious issue that we are facing today is the lack of adequate number of De-addiction centers. I am told that the health department has some centers and under the Vimukthi programme, the Excise department proposes to have de-addiction centers in every district. But, considering the present levels of addiction and substance abuse, this is not enough. Besides, we need more effective treatment programs that incorporate an individualized treatment approach. Our de-addiction centers should improve their treatment, counseling and rehabilitation facilities.
Here, I must also draw your attention to the way we look at addiction. In fact, society on the whole has to look at addiction with a little more understanding and compassion. Our general tendency is to ignore an addicted person as someone who cannot be brought back to normal life. In fact, the sight of an addicted youth should instill in us the commitment to fight against drug abuse in society by bringing that person back to normal life. For this we can have several activities that can be used to divert such peoples' interests. I would suggest that the Anti Narcotic Action Centre of India should use their organic farming activity as a method of rehabilitation of people who get addicted.
I would also like to inform you that I have taken special interest in curbing the use of tobacco in educational institutions. I have directed all the Vice Chancellors to give me a detailed monthly report on the measures taken by the Principals of the affiliated Colleges to make their campuses free from tobacco and drugs. The College authorities have been told to initiate strict action against anyone involved in such activities inside the campuses. This has reduced drug/substance abuse inside the College campuses.
I congratulate all the six people who have received the Anti Narcotics Award this year and hope that their dedicated efforts will continue in future too. I also greet all the representatives of the different Government and non Government Organisations that have lent support to today’s programme.
I compliment the Anti Narcotic Action Centre of India for organizing this function in a befitting manner and wish them success in their future endeavors.
Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
