President presents awards for outstanding services in the field of drug abuse

To mark the “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”, President Ram Nath Kovind presented the “National Awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse” to six institutions and three individuals working in the field of Prevention of Drug and Alcoholism Abuse.

Addressing the gathering, the President said Drug and Alcoholism Abuse creates a void in the lives of individual, society and the entire nation.

President said that misuse of illegal drugs is creating health challenges especially for the young generation and school going children.

He stated that the problem of drug abuse can be solved by awareness, prevention, incentives, and support efforts. In these efforts compassion and sympathy for the drug addicts is also necessary.

Parents, teachers, doctors, voluntary organizations should be associated in the medical and rehabilitation efforts.

He was happy to note that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has taken necessary steps in these directions.

Speaking on the occasion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said his Ministry has helped over 4.5 lakh people get free from the clutches of alcoholism in the past 4 years.