Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu January 22, 2026: The Social Welfare Department today organized a one-day training programme for Resource Persons for conducting Phase-II of the IEC Campaign against Drug Abuse at the Community Hall, Bhaderwah. The programme aimed at strengthening awareness, prevention, and community-level intervention to combat the growing menace of drug abuse.
The programme was conducted under the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Doda, under the close supervision of the District Social Welfare Officer, Doda, and with the active participation of the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer, Bhaderwah, Shri Shahnawaz Ahmad, who organized the event.
At the outset, the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO), Bhaderwah, welcomed all the participants and enlightened them about the background of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and the role of every member of society in combating the menace of drug abuse. He described drug abuse as a threat more dangerous than terrorism and emphasized the need for collective and coordinated efforts to eradicate it.
The Child Development Project Officer, Bhaderwah, Ms. Farhat Shameem, while addressing the gathering, stressed that parents must keep a close vigil on the activities of their wards. She further emphasized that educational institutions should focus on moral education in addition to academics. She stated that drug abuse is not merely an individual problem but a social issue and must therefore be addressed seriously through joint efforts.
The Station House Officer, Bhaderwah, in his address, highlighted the crucial role of the community and society, stating that the police alone cannot tackle the menace of drugs without public cooperation. He reiterated that the police department follows a zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse and is working with full commitment as per law.
The Master Trainers threw detailed light on the drastic physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of drug abuse, highlighting its devastating impact on individuals, families, and society at large. They emphasized effective and evidence-based strategies for awareness generation, including community mobilisation, school-based interventions, peer education, counselling support, and the use of IEC tools to promote healthy and drug-free lifestyles. The sessions were conducted by Sh. Firdous Hussain, Sh. Adil Najeed Mehta, Ms. Shabeena Malik, Sh. Sham Singh, Sh
Faheem Ahmad, Sh. Sajjad Hussain, and Advocate Sheroz Malik.
The Resource Persons trained under the programme belonged to the Health Department, Education Department, Rural Development Department, Excise Department, ICDS, NRLM, Social Welfare Department, and other allied departments. They are part of dedicated teams entrusted with the responsibility of generating awareness against drug abuse in Panchayats, schools, and municipal wards. They will play a pivotal role in sensitizing communities at the grassroots level, especially as the second phase of the IEC Campaign against Drug Abuse is currently underway.
During the programme, participants were sensitized about the causes and harmful effects of substance abuse, preventive and protective measures under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), early identification of vulnerable and at-risk individuals, counselling and rehabilitation support services, and the vital role of community participation and inter-departmental convergence in combating drug abuse.
The initiative was widely appreciated by the participants, who reaffirmed their commitment to spreading awareness and contributing towards the prevention of drug abuse. Such programmes reflect the Social Welfare Department’s continued commitment to building a drug-free, healthy, and responsible society.
The event culminated with the administration of the Drug Abuse Prevention Pledge, which was taken collectively by all participants. The pledge was administered in English and Urdu by Ms. Sheetal and Mr. Sajjad Hussain from the Social Welfare Department, reaffirming the collective resolve to fight drug abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free society.
