Kozhikode gears up for intensive campaign against drug abuse

New action plan under Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat drive

Following the Vimukti campaign adopted by the Excise Department to fight against drug abuse, the Department of Social Justice is gearing up to implement a new action plan under the Union government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat to free youngsters from substance abuse. Kozhikode is one of the 272 districts identified across the country to implement the Union government’s project. All the existing de-addiction schemes will be linked to the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. The latest order from the government says the new action plan will integrate the activities such as preventive education and awareness generation, capacity building, treatment, rehabilitation, special action plan for vulnerable areas, vocational and livelihood support. “In Kerala, six districts namely Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram will benefit from the special action plans under the Central scheme. In Malappuram, an Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) will also come up with Central aid for identification of addicts, motivational counselling, de-addiction support and after-care,” said an official with the Department of Social Justice. As additional support, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Idukki and Kollam districts would get Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODIC) to give safe and secure drop-in places for drug addicts, he said.