Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 16

Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori on Monday directed health and police officials to ensure installation of CCTV cameras at chemist shops across the district to curb sale of psychotropic drugs to minors.

Participating in a virtual review meet chaired by Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the Deputy Commissioner apprised the commission about the progress made under the joint action plan on prevention of drugs and substances abuse among children and illicit trafficking by the district administration.

Thori issued directions to officials concerned to implement this joint action plan scrupulously.

He said the sale of scheduled drugs, if any, would be dealt with heavy hands and punitive action would be taken against erring persons. He further asked officials to implement provisions of the Excise Act, which which prohibits sale of liquor to persons below the age of 25 years and added that anyone below the age of 18 cannot be employed at liquor taverns.

The District Education Officer (DEO) apprised the Deputy Commissioner about the awareness drive being carried out in schools.

The DEO said Buddy trainers were also conducting training sessions among children to sensitise them against drug abuse in schools on a daily basis.

Thori directed all the departments concerned to furnish progress reports, which would be submitted to the NCPCR.

District Programme Officer GS Randhawa said Anganwadi, ASHA workers and labour officials were being roped in by the administration to create awareness to keep children away from drug abuse.