By TC News Desk
Agartala, 1st July 2024: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) felicitated Khowai District as the Best Performing District for implementing the Joint Action Plan on “Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and Illicit Trafficking.” This accolade was awarded on June 30th (Sunday) during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event.
Nityananda Rai, Minister of State for Home Department presented the award to District Magistrate Chandni Chandran. “Khowai’s dedication and innovative methods are exemplary,” Rai stated.
The event featured notable figures such as NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanungo, Member Secretary Rupali Banerjee Singh and Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau Satya Narayan Pradhan. “Khowai’s comprehensive strategy and community engagement have been pivotal,” said Kanungo.
Khowai excelled in installing CCTV cameras in medical shops, activating Prabhari clubs in schools, and enforcing the COTPA Act. The district also benefited from the CHESTA scheme, launched by Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha in November 2022, which aimed to prevent child marriage and reintegrate victims into education. “CHESTA has significantly reduced human trafficking,” noted Pradhan.
The police’s intensified efforts doubled drug seizures in the past year, further solidifying Khowai’s leading role in combating substance abuse and trafficking.