Govt appoints 20 senior officers as district mentors to strengthen anti-drug campaign

Srinagar, Apr 9: In a significant step to intensify the fight against drug abuse, the Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed 20 senior officers as District Mentors under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan across all districts of the Union Territory.
According to a government order issued by the General Administration Department, the nominated officers—drawn from IAS, IPS, IFS, and JKAS cadres—will oversee and strengthen the implementation of the anti-drug campaign alongside their existing responsibilities until further orders.
Each officer has been assigned a specific district to ensure focused monitoring and execution of the programme. Key appointments include Shaleen Kabra for Poonch, Ashwani Kumar for Samba, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma for Budgam, Shailendra Kumar for Srinagar, and Anil Kumar Singh for Kathua.
Other notable assignments include Brij Mohan Sharma for Ganderbal, Saurabh Bhagat for Anantnag, Vikramjit Singh for Pulwama, Sheetal Nanda for Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary for Rajouri, Sarmad Hafeez for Baramulla, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan for Udhampur, Ram Niwas Sharma for Kupwara, Piyush Singla for Shopian, Vikas Kundal for Kulgam, Rahul Yadav for Kishtwar, Doifode Sagar Dattatray for Doda, Harvinder Singh for Poonch, Zubair Ahmad for Bandipora, and Babila Rakwal for Ramban.
As per the order, the District Mentors will monitor all critical components of the campaign, including awareness and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities in schools, colleges, and public spaces. They will also ensure coordination among stakeholders for sustained outreach and supervise de-addiction services provided by the Health Department.
The mentors have been tasked with overseeing enforcement measures carried out by the Police and Excise Departments, identifying substance users through surveys and field outreach, and facilitating their counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
The officers will also supervise training programmes for teachers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, volunteers, and peer educators to develop a strong grassroots network of “Nasha Mukt Volunteers” at the village and ward levels.
The initiative also emphasises community participation, with mentors expected to engage Panchayati Raj Institutions, youth clubs, NSS and NCC units, as well as religious and community leaders to promote collective action against drug abuse.
The District Mentors will ensure systematic data reporting on awareness drives, treatment, rehabilitation outcomes, and community participation. They will also oversee anti-drug pledge campaigns and organise intensive awareness drives in high-risk areas.
To ensure accountability and effectiveness, the mentors will conduct monthly impact assessments based on measurable outcomes and submit reports recommending corrective measures.
Meanwhile, the district administrations will execute the programme in close coordination with the appointed mentors to achieve the goal of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)