Jammu, Feb 05 (KINS): Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana has expressed serious concern over the Jammu and Kashmir government’s lack of plans to establish new drug de-addiction centres across the Union Territory.
Reacting to an official reply to her Assembly question on de-addiction infrastructure, Rana said the response revealed major gaps in rehabilitation facilities. She pointed out that Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu is treating the highest number of drug-dependent patients and is effectively functioning as a referral centre for several constituencies that lack any dedicated de-addiction or rehabilitation units.
Rana praised GMC Jammu for its efforts in handling a heavy patient load and also appreciated the role of NGOs, voluntary organisations and social groups working to rehabilitate drug addicts despite limited resources.
Referring to the government data, she said Srinagar has emerged as the most affected area. “Youth across J&K, especially in Srinagar, must be provided safe and medically sound facilities to overcome drug addiction,” she said.
She also lauded the Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces for their strict action against drug trafficking, noting that over 9,200 kilograms of narcotics have been seized in the past five years. However, she stressed that enforcement must be supported by strong treatment and rehabilitation systems.
Rana expressed disappointment over the government’s admission that no new de-addiction centres are under consideration despite more than 30,000 registered cases of addiction. “This reflects a serious gap in rehabilitating victims of the drug menace,” she said.
She further criticised the government for not providing constituency-wise details of de-addiction facilities, raising concerns about unequal distribution. “If centres were properly spread, there would be no hesitation in sharing such data,” she remarked.
Calling for urgent action, Rana urged the government to establish de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in every Assembly constituency to ensure timely treatment and effective recovery.
She emphasised that drug addicts should be treated as patients who need care, counselling and social reintegration. “Without a strong and decentralised rehabilitation framework, the problem will continue to harm families and communities,” she added.(KINS)
