SSEPD to Enhance Drug De-addiction Drive in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: With drug addiction posing a significant threat to public health and safety, the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) has initiated a comprehensive de-addiction awareness campaign. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this pressing issue, the department has rallied the support of various spiritual organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to combat drug abuse effectively.

Representatives from 19 organizations have pledged their cooperation to the SSEPD, agreeing to provide crucial support in the form of preventive measures, value education, awareness campaigns, capacity building, and targeted interventions in vulnerable areas.

Emphasizing the importance of inclusive collaboration, Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary of the SSEPD Department, highlighted the need for collective responsibility in the fight against drug menace. He underscored the significance of awareness drives, stressing that initiatives such as value education, corrective measures, and the establishment of wellness centers would visibly and effectively combat drug addiction.

As part of the campaign, the SSEPD Department has planned a series of inclusive activities in partnership with NGOs, including the publication of an online newsletter dedicated to drug de-addiction and success stories, as well as a sustained social media campaign to raise awareness.

In a significant development, the SSEPD Department has signed Non-financial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent spiritual organizations and NGOs to spearhead the drug de-addiction campaign. Representatives from organizations such as the National Service Scheme, Child and Women Development Society, Art of Living, Isha Foundation, and Rotary International, among others, participated in a program held at the SIDR Building, Capital Hospital, to discuss strategies for participatory interventions.

Niyati Pattnaik, Director of the SSEPD Department, signed the MoUs on behalf of the department, underscoring the commitment to collaborative efforts in combating drug addiction. The signing event was attended by Dillip Kumar Roy, Special Secretary, Santosh Kumar Pradhan, Deepak Routray, Addl. Secretary, and other senior officers.

With this concerted effort and collective action, the SSEPD Department aims to create a society free from the scourge of drug addiction, ensuring the well-being and safety of all citizens.