Bihar Government Explores Celebrity Partnerships to Combat Rising Drug Abuse Among Children
In a significant move to address the escalating drug crisis, Bihar's cabinet minister Ashok Choudhary revealed on Wednesday that the state government is actively considering engaging celebrities who have successfully recovered from substance abuse to spearhead awareness campaigns. This innovative approach was discussed during a legislative council session where members expressed grave concerns about the increasing prevalence of drug consumption among minors.
Legislative Council Raises Alarm Over Child Substance Abuse
Replying to a call attention motion initiated by MLC Rabindra Prasad Singh, Minister Choudhary acknowledged receiving disturbing reports of rising drug use among children. Singh specifically highlighted the alarming trend of children using solutions and gums as intoxicants, while multiple council members voiced their apprehension about substance abuse affecting children as young as 8 to 14 years old. Witnesses have reported minors inhaling and injecting various dangerous substances, indicating a deepening crisis that demands immediate intervention.
Government's Firm Stance and Enforcement Statistics
Choudhary emphasized that the Bihar government, which implemented a comprehensive liquor ban in 2016, maintains a firm opposition to all forms of intoxication and is implementing multiple strategies to curb drug abuse. He presented compelling enforcement data covering the period from 2016 to December 2021, revealing the scale of the government's efforts:
- 10 lakh cases registered for illegal drug-related activities
- 1.60 lakh vehicles seized in connection with these activities
- Substantial drug seizures including 15,800 kg of ganja, 240 kg of afeem, 350 kg of charas, and 40,000 litres of cough syrup
"The government is highly sensitive to this critical matter and is taking all possible steps to address it," Choudhary assured the council.
Council Members Propose Comprehensive Solutions
During the heated debate, several legislative council members proposed concrete measures to tackle the drug epidemic. MLC Khalid Anwar stressed that the issue requires a mission-mode approach to prevent long-term damage to children's health and futures. MLC Syyed Faisal Ali advocated for establishing more rehabilitation centers, particularly in border regions, to help affected individuals reintegrate into society.
MLC Shashi Yadav added a crucial caveat, emphasizing that rehabilitation facilities must undergo strict monitoring to prevent mistreatment of patients. She cited the tragic case of a child with drug abuse issues who died while in one such facility, underscoring the need for proper oversight and quality care standards.
Border Area Concerns and Inter-State Coordination
Council members also raised significant concerns about the proliferation of liquor shops in Bihar's border areas, suggesting these establishments might be contributing to cross-border drug trafficking and accessibility issues. They recommended that the Bihar government initiate formal discussions with neighboring states to develop coordinated strategies for controlling substance flow across state boundaries.
The legislative council debate highlighted a multi-faceted approach combining celebrity-driven awareness campaigns, enhanced enforcement, expanded rehabilitation infrastructure with proper oversight, and improved inter-state cooperation to combat Bihar's growing drug abuse problem, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.
