Pema Khandu
Guwahati: Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, announced today that a new online course would be introduced for state employees on drug abuse prevention. The initiative is being undertaken as part of a strategy to curb substance abuse in the state.
According to the chief minister, the four-month course will be mandatory for state government employees from Group A and B. Armed with awareness of drugs abuse prevention and management, these employees will become change agents in the society, the chief minister said.
The CM describes the initiative as a strong push in the state's fight against drug abuse, saying alcoholism and substance abuse are major epidemics in the state that often affect youth.
After successfully completing the course, participants will receive a certificate.
"Most of us only hear about drug abuse and its effect on life of the people. We hardly have seen the effects as families facing the menace suffer in isolation," he said.
Additionally, he said that the recent Arunachalee film "I killed my son" impacted him as it showed the impact of addiction on families.
The chief minister urged all employees to participate in the online course voluntarily. He added that his government has allocated funds for the establishment of six rehabilitation centers throughout the state.
Modules of the course will cover substance abuse, types of drugs and their harmful effects, signs and symptoms, myths and facts, and counselling and intervention.