Jalandhar, February 8- In a unique step aimed at helping thedrug dependents to lead a normal life by bringing them into the mainstream, thedistrict administration has directed 50 officials of various departments toidentify 500 drug dependants, 10 of each to provide them job opportunitiesthrough skill development or training program.
Presiding over a meeting in the administrative complex,Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Vishesh Sarangal said that thestate government has launched ‘Mission Red sky’ (Mission of Rehabilitation ofDrug Abuse Victims through Skilling and Employment).
He said that under this mission, each of the officials wouldidentify 10 drug dependents and would provide job opportunities to them byenhancing their capabilities through skill development/training programs sothat they can earn a livelihood like others.
He said that the SDM-I, SDM-II, BDPO Adampur, BDPO Bhogpur,GM District Industries Centre, MC Joint Commissioner, Excise and TaxationCommissioner, ACA Puda, District Sainik Welfare Officer, Civil Surgeon,Secretary RTA, District Social Security Officer, SE PSPCL, Executive EngineersSewage Board, PPCB, PWD (B and R), Water Supply and Sanitation, SE ImprovementTrust, GM Roadways (I and II), Deputy Economic Statistical Assistant, DistrictFood and Supply Controller, District Sports Officer, Assistant LabourCommissioner, AR Cooperative Societies, District Development and PanchayatOfficer, BDPO Jalandhar West, BDPO Jalandhar East, District Manager SCCorporation, District Small Savings Officer, District Welfare Officer, DMWarehouse, DM Punjab Agro, DM Punsup, District Education Officer (EE), DistrictProgram Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Forest Officer, DeputyDirector Animal Husbandry, Assistant Director Youth Services, BDPO Lohian Khas,BDPO Nakodar, BDPO Nurmahal, SDM Nakodar, SDM Phillaur, BDPO Rurka Kalan, SDMShahkot, BDPO Shahkot, Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner (I and II)have been tasked for this cause so that the drug dependants do not face anykind of problem in getting the employment along with their treatment.
He added Assistant Commissioner (G) Hardeep Singh would bethe nodal officer of the mission in Jalandhar and would ensure each ofthe officers achieve the target and helps the drug dependants to becomeactive-partner of in the socio-economic growth of the state either gainfulemployment or starting own ventures.
Sarangal said that the massive crackdown on the peddlers bythe state government and large-scale awareness programs including DAPO, Buddy,and others have yielded positive results as these movements have createdawareness among the general public.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner said that theadministration would continue its efforts until the entire district was madefree of the drugs.
Prominent among present occasion included ACA PUDA AnupamKler, SDMs Rahul Sindhu, Dr. Jai Inder Singh, AC (G) Hardeep Singh, andothers.