A crucial meeting was held today under the chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai to discuss the action plan for establishing a drug de-addiction centre in Udhampur district. The centre will be set up under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) through the District Red Cross Society.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, Additional SP Sandeep Bhat, District Social Welfare Officer Kanika Gupta, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anil Manhas, Tehsildar Udhampur Jai Singh, and Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Udhampur.

During the meeting, detailed discussions took place regarding various aspects of the centre’s establishment. Key points covered included the infrastructure requirements, essential facilities, and logistical arrangements necessary for the smooth and effective functioning of the proposed centre. The participants also explored strategies to ensure the centre can cater to the needs of individuals struggling with drug addiction in the district.

In her address, Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai stressed the importance of creating a supportive and holistic environment at the centre, highlighting the need for not just medical treatment but also counseling and motivational initiatives to help individuals recover. She directed the officers to prioritize psychosocial support for the patients, ensuring that the centre offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, including psychological counseling and awareness programs to prevent drug abuse in the community.

Rai emphasized that the community-based approach would be crucial for the success of the initiative, calling for a coordinated effort between health, social welfare, and law enforcement agencies to tackle the drug menace effectively.

The establishment of the drug de-addiction centre in Udhampur is part of a larger national effort to combat drug abuse and its impact on society. The centre will provide a much-needed support system for individuals battling addiction, offering both treatment and rehabilitation to help them reintegrate into society.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all involved parties to fast-track the establishment process and ensure that the centre is ready to begin operations at the earliest, providing much-needed relief to those struggling with addiction in the district.

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving public grievances in a time-bound manner, ensuring that citizens’ issues are addressed efficiently. Speaking during a series of meetings with various deputations in Jammu today, Choudhary emphasized that clear instructions have already been issued to concerned departments to expedite the redressal process.

The Deputy Chief Minister met with multiple delegations, each highlighting a range of issues affecting their respective sectors.

One of the first delegations to meet Choudhary was from the Anganwadi Workers Union, who raised concerns about their working conditions, remuneration, and other related matters. Choudhary assured the delegation that their issues would be addressed promptly and measures would be taken to improve the working environment for Anganwadi workers.

A second deputation from the Labour Workers Association also presented their grievances, focusing on issues such as poor working conditions, delays in the issuance of labour cards, and inadequate remuneration. The Deputy Chief Minister assured them that their concerns would be flagged for immediate action and directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps for their welfare.

Additionally, representatives from the Federation of Industries (FOI) and the Small Scale Industries Association Digiana Estate (SSIADE) presented a series of long-standing issues that local industrialists have been facing for over a decade. Key concerns included challenges related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Value Added Tax (VAT), and other regulatory hurdles. Choudhary promised to engage with relevant departments and work towards resolving these issues, which have been affecting the growth and sustainability of small and medium industries in the region.

Choudhary reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that all grievances are not only heard but addressed swiftly and effectively. He called for a collaborative approach between various stakeholders, urging departments to work in tandem to ensure that public issues are resolved without delay.

In a show of commitment to transparent governance, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the public that the government’s focus would remain on enhancing public service delivery, improving working conditions, and fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth.

The engagements reflect the administration’s growing emphasis on connecting with citizens at the grassroots level and resolving pressing issues that impact their daily lives.