06/02/2026
District-Level Awareness Programme on Drug Abuse for Students Concludes with Award Ceremony
Khonsa, 6 February 2026:
The District-Level Awareness Programme on Drug Abuse for students of Secondary and Senior Secondary classes from Government schools concluded today with the distribution of prizes to the winners of an Essay Writing Competition. The competition was conducted on the topic “Drug Menace with Special Reference to the TCL Region.”
The programme was graced by the In-charge Deputy Commissioner, Tirap, Shri Namneet Singh, IAS, as the Chief Guest.
Dr. K. Socia, Senior Medical Officer, Zonal General Hospital (ZGH), Khonsa, served as a resource person and highlighted the serious health hazards and long-term consequences of drug abuse.
Advocate Nakap Matey sensitised the students on the legal provisions, penalties, and punishments under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, emphasising the legal ramifications of substance abuse.
Shri Joymon Tikhak, Counsellor-cum-Senior Consultant, Care Me Home Sudhaar Ghar, Charju, addressed the participants as the Key Resource Person. He elaborated on the impact, preventive measures, and possible solutions to drug abuse, highlighting its adverse effects on health, future prospects, legal consequences, early identification of substance use, and the importance of seeking professional help.
Addressing the gathering, Shri K.C. Lowangcha, DDSE, Tirap, emphasised the vital role of education and urged students to stay away from all forms of narcotic substances, including to***co and alcohol. She encouraged students to remain focused on their studies to build a secure and meaningful future.
While awarding prizes to the winners, the In-charge Deputy Commissioner, Shri Namneet Singh, IAS, stressed the importance of career preparation from Class X onwards. He stated that the District Administration is deeply concerned about the future of students and informed that time to time career counselling programmes, in collaboration with the Education Department, will be organised in various institutions. He also emphasised the role of parents as the first teachers, noting that children often emulate their parents’ habits, and therefore urged parents to refrain from the consumption of alcohol, kaani, drugs and other narcotic substances.
The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to the general public to maintain proper health and hygiene practices and discouraged the habit of spitting Gutka/Pan Masala in public places, which leads to unhygienic conditions and the spread of diseases. He urged society to shun such unhealthy practices and appreciated the participants of the Essay Writing Competition for expressing awareness that should be adopted in practical life.
The winners of the Essay Writing Competition were awarded cash prizes along with certificates as follows:
1st Prize: Miss Nuseng Siksa, Class X, GSS Pinewood, Khonsa – ₹10,000/- with certificate
2nd Prize: Miss Anandi Rai, Class XII, PM Shri GHSS, Khonsa – ₹6,000/- with certificate
3rd Prize: Miss Jessica K. Wotsa, Class X, GHSS, Deomali – ₹4,000/- with certificate
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Ganjam Atoa, BEO (HQs), who delivered a strong message encouraging students to become ambassadors of a drug-free society.
Speaking on the occasion, the DDSE K.C. Lowangcha stated that students constitute the largest force in society and emphasised the need for youth to channelise their energy positively for a healthy, happy, and bright future. She urged students to fight against all forms of intoxication, stay away from substance abuse, and actively engage in studies as well as games and sports. She further encouraged students to commit to leading drug-free lives and to educate their families and communities on the ill effects of drug abuse.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Shri Ganjam Atoa, District Pedagogy Coordinator (ISSE), highlighted the aims and objectives of the District-Level Awareness Programme on Drug Abuse. He informed that the programme was conceptualised to educate participants on the dangers of drug abuse, emphasise prevention, and promote collective responsibility towards building a drug-free society.
The District-Level Awareness Programme on Drug Abuse (Secondary Level), held at Government Higher Secondary School, Borduria, was a resounding success, achieving its objectives of educating and motivating students to take a firm stand against drugs. The enthusiastic participation and positive response underscored the importance of such community-based initiatives in working towards a drug-free district and ensuring a healthier future for all.
