Department Of Social Security To Intensify Drug De-Addiction Drive In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: As the issue of drug addiction continues to escalate, posing severe consequences, the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) has initiated a well-coordinated de-addiction awareness campaign. In collaboration with spiritual organizations and NGOs, the Department aims to make a tangible impact on combating this menace. Nineteen organizations have pledged their support to the Department, focusing on various aspects such as preventive measures, value education, widespread awareness campaigns, capacity building, and targeted interventions in vulnerable areas.

The Department, in partnership with these NGOs, plans to engage in inclusive activities, including the publication of an online newsletter dedicated to drug de-addiction and its success stories, as well as sustained social media campaigns.

Sri Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary of SSEPD, emphasized the joint effort and collective responsibility required to tackle the drug menace. Highlighting the significance of awareness initiatives, Sri Sethi underscored the importance of value education, corrective measures, and the operation of wellness centers to visibly and effectively address the issue.

The SSEPD Department has formalized non-financial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the aforementioned spiritual organizations and NGOs for the Drug De-addiction campaign. In a recent program at the SIDR Building, Capital Hospital, representatives discussed various participatory interventions. Niyati Pattnaik, Director of the Department, signed the MoUs, while Dillip Kumar Roy, Special Secretary, Santosh Kumar Pradhan, and Deepak Routray, Additional Secretary, along with other senior officers, were present during the signing ceremony.