Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Nav Jeevan Women De-Addiction Centre at Mashobra near Shimla. The state government established the facility as Himachal Pradesh’s first government-run center dedicated exclusively to treating and rehabilitating women affected by substance abuse.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister said that drug abuse, particularly the spread of chitta, is not merely a law-and-order issue. Instead, he described it as a serious social, family, and humanitarian crisis that requires a comprehensive response.
Comprehensive Support for Women
The Nav Jeevan Women De-Addiction Centre will provide much more than medical treatment. According to the Chief Minister, the facility will offer safe accommodation, healthcare services, psychological counseling, rehabilitation support, social reintegration, and family-based assistance programs.
Furthermore, he stated that the center will help affected women rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence. As a result, the initiative is expected to strengthen the state’s efforts to address addiction among women.
In addition, the government plans to establish another de-addiction and rehabilitation center at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Kangra district.
Government’s Dual Approach to Drug Abuse
The Chief Minister emphasized that individuals suffering from addiction should not be treated as criminals. Instead, he said the government views them as victims who need treatment, care, and rehabilitation.
However, he made it clear that authorities will take strict action against drug traffickers. Moreover, he stated that the government will not show any leniency toward those involved in the illegal drug trade.
According to him, the state’s strategy combines compassion for victims with tough measures against traffickers. Therefore, the Nav Jeevan Women De-Addiction Centre forms an important part of a broader anti-drug policy.
Impact of Drug Abuse on Families
Sukhu highlighted the social consequences of addiction among women. He noted that when a woman or daughter becomes trapped in substance abuse, the effects extend far beyond one individual.
Consequently, entire families, children, and future generations can suffer. Therefore, the government has focused on treatment, counseling, rehabilitation, and social reintegration while simultaneously strengthening action against drug networks.
Anti-Chitta Movement Gains Momentum
The Chief Minister also referred to the Anti-Chitta People’s Movement launched from Shimla on November 15 last year.
Since then, the campaign has evolved into a large-scale social movement. Furthermore, he said the initiative now includes youth groups, teachers, elected representatives, voluntary organizations, and ordinary citizens.
He urged people to actively participate in the fight against drugs. As a result, the government hopes to eliminate the menace through collective social action and public awareness.
Strict Action Against Drug Traffickers
The state government has intensified its crackdown on drug traffickers through preventive measures under stringent legal provisions, including the PIT-NDPS Act.
Moreover, authorities are identifying properties linked to drug trafficking activities. The Chief Minister reiterated that the government will act against every individual involved in the drug trade, regardless of their social or political influence.
Consequently, the administration aims to dismantle drug networks while strengthening rehabilitation facilities such as the Nav Jeevan Women De-Addiction Centre.
Key Points of the news:
- CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Nav Jeevan Women De-Addiction Centre in Mashobra near Shimla.
- The center is the first government-run women-specific de-addiction and rehabilitation facility in Himachal Pradesh.
- It will provide treatment, counseling, rehabilitation, accommodation, and family support services.
- The government plans to open another rehabilitation center at Tanda Medical College in Kangra.
- The Chief Minister reaffirmed strict action against drug traffickers while supporting addiction victims through rehabilitation programs.
