As part of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, the District Administration Kathua, in collaboration with the Department of Excise, today organised an awareness programme at Chak Drab Khan in Block Nagri.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma presided over the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said the meaningful engagement of youth in education, skill development and productive activities was the most effective way to protect them from drug abuse. He urged the youth to avail themselves of the benefits of various government initiatives including Mission YUVA and Tejaswini, which are designed to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment and skill enhancement.
The Deputy Commissioner informed the gathering that the District Administration would soon organise counselling sessions for students who had recently passed their Class 10 and 12 examinations to guide them on higher education, career opportunities and skill development avenues. He further announced that a multi-department awareness and outreach camp would be organised in the village shortly to educate the public about various Centrally Sponsored and Union Territory Government welfare schemes.
On the occasion, the participants also took a Nasha Mukt pledge to spread awareness about the harmful effects of narcotics and to contribute towards the success of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.
Appealing to the public to support the campaign, the Deputy Commissioner called upon all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, community leaders and youth, to join hands in making Kathua a drug-free district and to contribute towards the success of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.
During the programme, representatives from the Handicrafts Department, Handloom Department, ITI, Polytechnic, Labour Department and other line departments apprised the participants of various skill development programmes, livelihood opportunities and welfare schemes aimed at empowering youth through gainful engagement and employment.
The officers also interacted with the local residents and assured them that their genuine concerns would be addressed on priority.
Among those present were the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Mahima Madan; IAS Probationer, Nidhi; District Social Welfare Officer, Varun Chaudhary; Tehsildar, Kathua, Vikram Kumar; Tehsildar, Nagri, Aana Jamwal; Excise and Taxation Officer, Kathua, Kashish Sharma; Superintendent, ITI, Kathua; representatives of various departments and a large number of local residents.