IT News
Imphal, May 17:
A one-day State Level Review cum Consultation on the Joint Action Plan on Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held today at the Manipur Press Club. The event was organized by the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) in collaboration with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Representatives from various sectors, including the education department, social welfare, NAB, pharmaceutical companies, and the police department, gathered to foster a coordinated effort to prevent and steer children away from drugs and substances.
Keisam Pradipkumar, Chairperson of MCPCR, highlighted a significant issue during his speech, cautioning that society has a substantial hidden population of children using psychoactive substances and tobacco products from as early as 10 years old. He emphasized the need for vigorous initiatives to bring about a paradigm shift in the prevention and treatment of children affected by drugs. Pradipkumar advocated for making school campuses entirely substance-free, with teachers acting as role models and trained counselors engaging children in a child-friendly manner.
He also addressed the issue of junk food consumption, which poses long-term health risks to children. Pradipkumar proposed a campaign to ensure healthy food options for school-going children, replacing junk food with nutritious alternatives like fruits and boiled vegetables.
During the technical session, experts such as Dr. A. Jayanta, Dr. RK Lenin, W. Basu MPS, and Bantee Konthoujam MCS spoke on various related topics, providing insights and strategies to tackle substance abuse and promote child welfare.