ZIRO, 27 Aug: The authorities in Lower Subansiri district are installing dedicated complaint and feedback boxes across all schools in the district to ensure that kids have a safe, anonymous way to speak up or ask for help in drug-related matters.

The decision was taken during a district-level narco coordination centre (NCORD) meeting held here on Thursday.

Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, the session brought together top administrative, law enforcement, security, and health officials to tackle drug abuse right at the grassroots level.

Opening the discussions, SP Keni Bagra reviewed the action items from the previous NCORD session and outlined immediate priorities for the district.

A major outcome of the meeting was a district-wide push into local schools, rolling out targeted drug awareness programmes aimed at protecting young minds. To ensure that kids have a safe, anonymous way to speak up or ask for help, authorities are installing dedicated complaint and feedback boxes across all schools.

This feedback loop will give district officials direct insight into on-the-ground issues, allowing for faster, more empathetic interventions.

The multi-agency meeting included key officials, such as the ICDS deputy director and the superintendent of tax, excise & narcotics, alongside representatives from the CRPF, ITBP, and the Narcotics Control Bureau.

The district leadership reiterated that building a drug-free environment isn't just about enforcement - it takes a compassionate, joint effort between schools, families, and local administration to support the youths.

Meanwhile, an NCORD meeting was held also in East Siang headquarters Pasighat on Thursday.

Chaired by DC Sonalika Jiwani, the meeting reviewed the action taken report on the key issues and directions issued during the previous NCORD meeting.

Reviewing the progress, the deputy commissioner directed all departments and stakeholders concerned to intensify coordinated action against drug abuse and illicit activities. She stressed the need for surprise drug testing in schools, police establishments and other major government departments as a preventive measure.

The district medical officer informed that surprise drug-testing drives have been initiated in rural areas through 13 health centres, with 950 drug-testing kits distributed for the purpose. The meeting also reviewed the functioning of rehabilitation centres. The DMO reported that formal action has been initiated against three rehabilitation centres - Beta Life Care, 5 Mile; Living Clean Adam, Ruksin; and William Home Foundation, Rayang - for operating without valid registration and licence in violation of prescribed SOPs and guidelines.

The meeting was further informed that the previously closed 'Vision of Hope' centre near VKV Joram was reportedly operating clandestinely without the requisite registration and licence.

The deputy commissioner directed the authorities concerned to take immediate action against illegal rehabilitation centres and ensure strict compliance with the prescribed SOPs.

On enforcement against illegal liquor and other prohibited substances, the superintendent of tax & excise was directed to ensure strict action against shops selling unauthorised liquor, tobacco products and other prohibited substances. During the month, six show-cause notices were issued, while 201 bottles/cans of beer, 24 Breezers and five IMFL items were seized.

The meeting also reviewed rehabilitation and skill-development initiatives for recovering persons. Four de-addiction centres reported 12 persons in recovery, of whom eight completed their courses during the month. The Department of Industry reported that 19 recovering persons expressed willingness to undergo skill development training, with preferences including computer and data entry, mushroom cultivation, and electrician training. Candidates who had already undergone RSETI training included seven in mushroom cultivation, twelve in pisciculture, and seven in piggery.

The deputy commissioner directed the Department of Industry to place the issue of skill development and employment opportunities for recovering persons in the forthcoming inter-departmental DDR meeting and coordinate with departments concerned for employment generation through government schemes and beneficiary programmes.

The meeting further directed the police and the Tax & Excise Department to continue intensive patrolling and joint checking of vulnerable areas, late-night clubs, DJs and bars, and to initiate strict legal action against violators.

As part of the ongoing drug demand reduction and awareness campaign, awareness programmes were conducted across the district, including a programme on drug addiction at Apex Professional University under the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' campaign.

Since the last NCORD meeting, one NDPS case involving four accused has been registered, with heroin reported as the substance involved.

Addressing the members, the DC observed that the NCORD mechanism is now moving in the right direction, and called upon all stakeholders to further intensify their actions and coordination in the coming days to effectively combat drug abuse and also illegal selling of addictive substances in the district. (DIPROs)