Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday expressing his sharp disappointment over the rising cases of HIV in the state said that students of elite institutions, those who enjoy all kinds of amenities in their life are being increasingly influenced by drug abuse.
Deb who was addressing an event organized by Abhoy Mission to cheer up the Specially challenged athletes at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, Deb said, “In the teachings of Bhagavad Gita it is clearly said that whatever takes place is for good. The children who are present here may not be normal like others but they have special capabilities and our motive should be to nurture those skills to a level that they can shine in their lives. The parents must not feel disheartened, they should shoulder the responsibility to encourage them”.
Citing a few instances of increasing cases of drug abuse, Deb said, “On an average two positive cases of HIV are being reported on a daily basis in our state. And, who are the victims: mostly youth who belong to elite society. They are well educated, studied in good schools and have good financial backgrounds. But, despite having a bright future ahead, they took the wrong route of drug abuse which has silently ruined their futures”.
“I was compelled to allocate Rs 20 crore for setting up drug rehabilitation centers in the state. Had the drug menace been not there, these funds could have been used in public welfare schemes for poverty alleviation. I believe that special children never do such things. Cases of drug addiction in special children is a rare phenomenon and in a way the parents are relieved”, Deb observed.
Deb also hailed Abhoy Mission authorities for their efforts to encourage the Divyangya children. The Chief Minister also sought cooperation from the society to fight drug abuse.
