News & Announcement
District Level NCORD Meeting Held at Namchi Town Hall
Namchi, 9 July (IPR):
The District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee meeting for Namchi District was held today at the Town Hall, Namchi, as part of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan .
The meeting brought together Heads of Institutions and officers from various departments.
District Collector-cum-Chairperson NCORD, Ms Anupa Tamling provided an overview of the structure and functioning of NCORD Committees at the national, state, and district levels. She emphasised the core objectives of these committees, particularly in addressing drug abuse, trafficking, and the consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
She acknowledged the commendable efforts of the District Police, Drug Safai Abhiyan NGO (Jorethang), and the Anti-Drugs Squad (Melli) in combatting the drug menace. She noted that their contributions were recognised at the state level, with commendation by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
She urged educational institutions to remain vigilant in safeguarding students, given their vulnerability, and highlighted the importance of a united effort towards achieving a zero-tolerance stance against drugs. Furthermore, she issued a directive for strict inspection around school premises to monitor the sale of tobacco and alcohol. Schools were advised that they too would be held accountable if nearby shops were found violating these norms.
She also mentioned that, for the first time in the state, school heads have been included in the meeting as an important initiative aimed at making them active stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mr Karma Gyamtso Bhutia, addressed the gathering and reiterated the Chief Minister’s vision of a drug-free Sikkim. He shared that drug peddling cases in Namchi have seen a significant decline due to Operation: Time to Hunt, under which 90% of drug-related cases were resolved. He reported that 30 peddlers were apprehended in just two months—marking a record achievement.
He also elaborated on the evolving tactics used by traffickers and how users often become peddlers themselves. He called for a collective societal effort, stressing that the responsibility lies with every citizen. He also instructed the Education Department to establish a dedicated monitoring committee in each school within 10–15 days to identify and address drug-related issues.
Mr Bishal Sharma, Project Director and Additional Political Secretary (Pakyong District), presented a briefing on the SARATHI (Sikkim Anti-Drugs and Rehabilitation Association Towards Healthy Individuals) initiative. He described it as an action-oriented programme focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and mental health support.
Highlighting its success in the districts of Pakyong and Soreng, he discussed SARATHI 1.0, which offers free rehabilitation support to genuine beneficiaries. This year, the programme includes 10 senior secondary schools and 90 ASHA workers, with plans for further expansion in the coming year. He underscored the importance of both preventive and curative approaches in dealing with drug addiction and promoting mental well-being.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Mr Suraj Rai, affirmed full support from the Education Department in implementing the anti-drug initiatives effectively. He reiterated the department’s commitment to protecting the interests and well-being of students.
An open discussion followed, during which various representatives shared their perspectives on tackling drug abuse.
It was also announced that District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Ms Pema Ongmu Bhutia, will provide assistance on matters related to child welfare and rights. For support, she can be contacted at 7908623790.
The meeting was also attended by Director-cum-Chief Medical Officer Dr S. N. Adhikari, SDM (HQ) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia,along with representatives from line departments, school heads, SARATHI, Drug Safai Abhiyan NGO (Jorethang), and the Anti-Drugs Squad (Melli).
The District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee meeting for Namchi District was held today at the Town Hall, Namchi, as part of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan .
The meeting brought together Heads of Institutions and officers from various departments.
District Collector-cum-Chairperson NCORD, Ms Anupa Tamling provided an overview of the structure and functioning of NCORD Committees at the national, state, and district levels. She emphasised the core objectives of these committees, particularly in addressing drug abuse, trafficking, and the consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
She acknowledged the commendable efforts of the District Police, Drug Safai Abhiyan NGO (Jorethang), and the Anti-Drugs Squad (Melli) in combatting the drug menace. She noted that their contributions were recognised at the state level, with commendation by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
She urged educational institutions to remain vigilant in safeguarding students, given their vulnerability, and highlighted the importance of a united effort towards achieving a zero-tolerance stance against drugs. Furthermore, she issued a directive for strict inspection around school premises to monitor the sale of tobacco and alcohol. Schools were advised that they too would be held accountable if nearby shops were found violating these norms.
She also mentioned that, for the first time in the state, school heads have been included in the meeting as an important initiative aimed at making them active stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Senior Superintendent of Police Mr Karma Gyamtso Bhutia, addressed the gathering and reiterated the Chief Minister’s vision of a drug-free Sikkim. He shared that drug peddling cases in Namchi have seen a significant decline due to Operation: Time to Hunt, under which 90% of drug-related cases were resolved. He reported that 30 peddlers were apprehended in just two months—marking a record achievement.
He also elaborated on the evolving tactics used by traffickers and how users often become peddlers themselves. He called for a collective societal effort, stressing that the responsibility lies with every citizen. He also instructed the Education Department to establish a dedicated monitoring committee in each school within 10–15 days to identify and address drug-related issues.
Mr Bishal Sharma, Project Director and Additional Political Secretary (Pakyong District), presented a briefing on the SARATHI (Sikkim Anti-Drugs and Rehabilitation Association Towards Healthy Individuals) initiative. He described it as an action-oriented programme focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and mental health support.
Highlighting its success in the districts of Pakyong and Soreng, he discussed SARATHI 1.0, which offers free rehabilitation support to genuine beneficiaries. This year, the programme includes 10 senior secondary schools and 90 ASHA workers, with plans for further expansion in the coming year. He underscored the importance of both preventive and curative approaches in dealing with drug addiction and promoting mental well-being.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Mr Suraj Rai, affirmed full support from the Education Department in implementing the anti-drug initiatives effectively. He reiterated the department’s commitment to protecting the interests and well-being of students.
An open discussion followed, during which various representatives shared their perspectives on tackling drug abuse.
It was also announced that District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Ms Pema Ongmu Bhutia, will provide assistance on matters related to child welfare and rights. For support, she can be contacted at 7908623790.
The meeting was also attended by Director-cum-Chief Medical Officer Dr S. N. Adhikari, SDM (HQ) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia,along with representatives from line departments, school heads, SARATHI, Drug Safai Abhiyan NGO (Jorethang), and the Anti-Drugs Squad (Melli).
