Press Release
Press Release from the Social Welfare Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Gangtok, February 11, 2026: The Social Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, organised the 2nd Orientation Programme for Nodal Officers under the Sahayogi Karmachari, Nasha Mukt Sikkim initiative today at Gangtok.
The programme was attended by Smt. Sarika Pradhan, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Shri Satyen Kr. Pradhan, SCS, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Smt. Bandana Chettri, SCS, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Nodal Officers from various Departments of the Government of Sikkim; and resource persons, including Dr. Satish Rasaily, Senior Consultant, CAM, Chuwatar; Dr. Netra Thapa, Head of Department, Psychiatry, STNM Hospital; and Shri Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Satyen Kr. Pradhan, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department, followed by a presentation by Shri Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department, who provided an overview of the Sahayogi Karmachari programme, outlining its objectives, structure, and operational framework.
A technical session on the identification of substance abuse cases was delivered by Dr. Satish Rasaily, who elaborated on early warning signs, methods of identification, and varying levels of risk associated with substance use. The session emphasised the importance of timely intervention and coordinated departmental action.
This was followed by a session by Dr. Netra Thapa, Head of Department, Psychiatry, STNM Hospital, on referral services and treatment facilities. The session highlighted available treatment procedures, established referral mechanisms, and the role of Departments in facilitating access to rehabilitation and medical support services.
An open house discussion was conducted towards the conclusion of the programme, providing an opportunity for participants to share experiences, seek clarifications, and deliberate on challenges faced in implementing the Sahayogi Karmachari initiative within their respective Departments.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Sarika Pradhan, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, underscored the importance of collective responsibility and inter-departmental coordination in combating substance abuse. She emphasised the need for sustained efforts to address the adverse impact of substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Bandana Chettri, SCS, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department, followed by the administration of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) pledge, reaffirming collective commitment towards a substance abuse free society.
The Social Welfare Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening institutional mechanisms and enhancing the capacity of Nodal Officers under the Nasha Mukt Sikkim initiative through continued collaboration with all stakeholders.
The programme was attended by Smt. Sarika Pradhan, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Shri Satyen Kr. Pradhan, SCS, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Smt. Bandana Chettri, SCS, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Nodal Officers from various Departments of the Government of Sikkim; and resource persons, including Dr. Satish Rasaily, Senior Consultant, CAM, Chuwatar; Dr. Netra Thapa, Head of Department, Psychiatry, STNM Hospital; and Shri Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Satyen Kr. Pradhan, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department, followed by a presentation by Shri Mahesh Sharma, Additional Director, Social Welfare Department, who provided an overview of the Sahayogi Karmachari programme, outlining its objectives, structure, and operational framework.
A technical session on the identification of substance abuse cases was delivered by Dr. Satish Rasaily, who elaborated on early warning signs, methods of identification, and varying levels of risk associated with substance use. The session emphasised the importance of timely intervention and coordinated departmental action.
This was followed by a session by Dr. Netra Thapa, Head of Department, Psychiatry, STNM Hospital, on referral services and treatment facilities. The session highlighted available treatment procedures, established referral mechanisms, and the role of Departments in facilitating access to rehabilitation and medical support services.
An open house discussion was conducted towards the conclusion of the programme, providing an opportunity for participants to share experiences, seek clarifications, and deliberate on challenges faced in implementing the Sahayogi Karmachari initiative within their respective Departments.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Sarika Pradhan, IAS, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, underscored the importance of collective responsibility and inter-departmental coordination in combating substance abuse. She emphasised the need for sustained efforts to address the adverse impact of substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Bandana Chettri, SCS, Special Secretary, Social Welfare Department, followed by the administration of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) pledge, reaffirming collective commitment towards a substance abuse free society.
The Social Welfare Department reiterated its commitment to strengthening institutional mechanisms and enhancing the capacity of Nodal Officers under the Nasha Mukt Sikkim initiative through continued collaboration with all stakeholders.
