DC Kulgam reviews drug control measures at NCORD meeting

Kulgam, Oct 27: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, Tuesday chaired the 50th meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism at the Mini Secretariat, Kulgam, to review measures aimed at combating drug abuse, strengthening enforcement and improving de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities in the district.
During the meeting, the DC reviewed the enforcement activities of the Drug Control Organisation, the functioning of de-addiction and treatment facilities, awareness initiatives and the role of various departments in addressing the menace of substance abuse.
The meeting was informed that 410 inspections have been conducted during the current year by the drug control authorities of the district.The department also lifted 70 statutory drug samples for quality testing and received 57 test reports. Besides, 20 courier operator inspections were conducted, while 37 medical shops were reported for violations relating to the maintenance of sale and purchase records of prescription drugs. The department also reported court-imposed fines amounting to ₹20,000, seizure of 32,346 units of drugs and sealing of five shops, as per the action-taken report presented during the meeting.
The DC stressed the need for regular inspections, strict monitoring of pharmacies and timely action against violations. The meeting was apprised of the procedure for suspension and cancellation of drug licences, including recording on-the-spot findings, reporting violations to the competent authority and issuance of show-cause notices to the concerned licensees before further action under the applicable rules.
The DC emphasised that all concerned departments must ensure timely reporting of violations, proper follow-up and strict enforcement of the prescribed norms. He called for close coordination among the enforcement agencies to curb the sale and misuse of drugs and ensure accountability at every level.
Emphasising community participation, the DC observed that regular awareness meetings should be held at the panchayat level with the involvement of Panchayat Secretaries and other concerned functionaries through Panchayat Samitis and youth clubs. He stressed the need to sensitise youth and the general public about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage collective efforts to prevent substance abuse at the grassroots level.
The meeting also reviewed the functioning of drug de-addiction facilities in the district. The DC stressed the importance of effective treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and regular follow-up to support recovery and prevent relapse.
The meeting further discussed the adequacy of the existing de-addiction infrastructure, strengthening of interdepartmental coordination and the scope for establishing peer-support groups for rehabilitated persons to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The DC called upon all line departments to work in close coordination, implement the decisions taken during NCORD meetings in a time-bound manner and intensify preventive, enforcement and rehabilitation measures to achieve the objective of a drug-free Kulgam.
The meeting was attended by SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali, ADC, Vikar Ahmad Giri, ACR Kulgam, Riyaz Ahmad Shah, ACD, Bilal Ahmad Kamgar, SDM Noorabad, Bashir Ul Hassan, Principals and representatives of Government Degree Colleges, Kulgam, Kilam, DH Pora and Frisal, DIO Kulgam, Dy.SP, CMO, MS DH, CEO, DSWO, and other concerned officers and officials.