Shillong: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh has revealed that Meghalaya currently has 10 rehabilitation centers capable of accommodating 15-20 drug addicts each.
This information was shared in response to a query by Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran during a today’s session.
The Minister highlighted the severe scale of the drug problem in the state, noting that there are an estimated 3 lakh drug addicts in Meghalaya. Despite the growing need for rehabilitation, resources remain limited.
In response to a question from MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit about funding, Lyngdoh disclosed that the state received ₹1.20 lakh from the central government for the year 2021-22. He also discussed the state’s efforts to combat drug addiction through the DREAM project, which has launched drug-free camps for youth across the state. The project is backed by a ₹50 crore allocation for a three-year period.
Lyngdoh reported that the success rate in the fight against drugs has reached 20 percent, with data collected from government departments and private organizations.
Adelbert Nongrum further questioned the Minister on the handling of seized drugs, in which the Minister replied that the seized drugs are destroyed in factory at Jaintia Hills.
The Minister also identified Shillong as one of the areas most affected by drug abuse. Currently, the state government supports six de-addiction centers, with one additional center supported by the central government.
