Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Nov 6: Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K has directed officials to ensure the widespread use of a QR code developed by the police department to gather anonymous information to curb drug abuse in the district.
She was presiding over the NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) district-level coordination committee meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office hall in Rajatadri, Manipal, on Friday, November 6.
Calling upon everyone to join hands in making the district drug-free, the DC stated that if anyone comes across the sale, transport or consumption of drugs, they can scan the QR code and share the information confidentially. She strictly instructed officials to maintain the anonymity of the informants.
Highlighting the adverse effects of drug abuse on health, finances and future prospects, she stressed that society must cooperate to prevent the youth from falling prey to such addictions.
"Intoxicating medicines must not be sold to the public at medical shops without a doctor's prescription. Notice boards stating 'Sale of medicines without a doctor's prescription is prohibited' must be compulsorily displayed in every medical shop. CCTVs in pharmacies must be operational continuously, and the footage should be preserved for at least three months. The drug controller and the police department must take necessary action in this regard," Swaroopa T K said. She also instructed officials to keep an eye on those buying cough syrups suspiciously at medical shops.
The DC further directed officials to take steps to conduct blood tests in school and college hostels. Information regarding students with low attendance should be gathered, and counselling should be provided to them and their parents.
Calling for widespread awareness about the ill effects of drugs, she said school education department officials should organise street plays, music, art and other activities. She also directed gram panchayats to strive to make villages tobacco-free.
Personnel from the agriculture, horticulture and forest departments were instructed to gather information and inspect agricultural lands, plantations and forest fringes for ganja cultivation. Vigilance should be maintained at railway stations regarding the transport of drugs, and the QR code should be publicised there as well.
Noting that Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has over 25 educational institutions under it, the DC said more awareness programmes on the ill effects of drugs should be organised across all its institutions.
She reiterated that the QR codes must be displayed prominently in schools, colleges, hostels, bus stands, government offices, auditoriums, private and government hospitals, medical shops and other crowded areas. She expressed dissatisfaction that despite instructions in the previous meeting, the QR code display has not been implemented fully.
During the meeting, DC Swaroopa T K launched the 'Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 4.0' by releasing its poster.
Superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, additional SP Sudhakar Nayak, DHO Dr Basavaraj Hubballi and officials from various departments were present.