Odisha’s ‘DISHA’ Scheme to Boost De-Addiction Efforts with Financial Aid to NGOs

Bhubaneswar: The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) in Odisha has taken a significant step to enhance its de-addiction efforts under the ‘DISHA’ scheme. The department will extend financial support to five non-government stakeholders, aiming to strengthen the de-addiction drive in the state.

In a pivotal move, the department has entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with these organizations, entrusting them with the responsibility of managing and delivering services at recovery centers for addicts. The collaborative approach is geared towards creating a comprehensive support system encompassing awareness generation, identification, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction through voluntary initiatives.

Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary of the SSEPD Department, highlighted the scheme’s inclusive approach, emphasizing the provision of free services to beneficiaries at the recovery centers. He urged the stakeholders to maintain transparency and a philanthropic spirit throughout the execution of these activities.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at the State Institute for Disability Rehabilitation (SIDR) in the presence of Principal Secretary Bishnupada Sethi, along with Niyati Pattnaik, Director, Dillip K. Ray, Special Secretary, and other senior officers of the department.

The non-government stakeholders benefiting from this financial assistance for three years are Faith Charitable Trust (Bhubaneswar), Mukti Foundation (Khurdha), Peoples Forum (Berhampur), Peoples Cultural Centre (Cuttack), and Vedic Group of Institutions (Berhampur). The decision to expedite de-addiction programs and activities was reinforced during the Nisamukt Bharat Abhijan State Committee Meeting held last December. This initiative is poised to make a substantial impact on combating addiction and promoting rehabilitation in the state of Odisha.