Training Program Launched to Boost IEC Efforts in Fight Against Drug Abuse in Jammu

foster anti-drug campaign
foster anti-drug campaign

MARCH 26:The District Administration Jammu organized a crucial training program aimed at empowering resource persons to intensify the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign against drug abuse. This initiative is part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, which is working towards making Jammu and Kashmir a drug-free region. The training program took place at the Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women in Gandhi Nagar, marking a significant step in the administration’s anti-drug efforts.

The session was led by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jammu, Ansuya Jamwal, who highlighted the administration’s unwavering commitment to combating the growing menace of drug abuse. In her address, she emphasized the importance of mass awareness and called on the resource persons to effectively engage with the public using vernacular languages to ensure better outreach and understanding. She encouraged the participants to absorb and apply the knowledge and skills imparted during the training, ensuring they could effectively communicate the harmful effects of drug abuse.

“The resource persons must thoroughly imbibe the information and skills imparted during the training. It is essential to extensively circulate the helpline numbers to offer assistance to those in need,” the ADM stated.

As part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, awareness camps are being organized at the grassroots level across every panchayat, government schools, and urban local bodies. These camps are designed to spread awareness and provide support to those affected by drug abuse. The details of these camps are being uploaded to a centralized portal for real-time monitoring by the UT administration, ensuring that the campaign reaches as many people as possible.

In her address, ADM Jamwal also highlighted the collaborative efforts of various government departments involved in the initiative. She shared that the Information Department has produced a documentary film on drug abuse, which will be widely screened to educate the public. Furthermore, key departments, including Social Welfare, Police, and the District Red Cross Society, have been given specific responsibilities to ensure the campaign’s success and maximize its impact.

The training program also featured addresses from several experts, including SP Headquarters Irshad Rather, Child Protection Officer Sheraz Inayat Malik, Medical Officer Dr. Arti Sharma, and District Health Officer Dr. Samina Nasir. Each speaker emphasized the need for a joint effort in tackling drug abuse, underlining that only through a collaborative approach can meaningful change be achieved.

The program was introduced with a welcome address by Senior Lecturer Shifali Gupta. The District Administration Jammu continues to prioritize the fight against drug abuse, regularly organizing IEC activities to raise awareness. For immediate help, residents can contact the Police Helpline at 9086 100 100, the Drug De-Addiction Helpline at 14446, and the Mental Health Helpline at 14416.