Tripura Rehabilitation Plantation Corporation Limited (TRPCL) voiced grave concerns about the deadly drug menace in the State and decided to launch a mass awareness campaign aiming at curbing the instances of drug abuse and related HIV/AIDS among the youth.
TRPCL chairperson Patal Kanya Jamatia expressed her deep concern about the prevailing dangerous situation, specifically highlighting the infiltration of drugs into tribal areas and the consequential impact on the tribal youth.
As per different studies and data, the shadow of drug abuse and the alarming surge in HIV/AIDS cases continue to cast a pall over Tripura, with the state reporting a distressing tally of 5,269 instances of HIV/AIDS. Shockingly, among these cases, 575 victims are students, revealing a harrowing reality where over 10% of Tripura’s student populace grapples with this life-altering affliction. As the gravity of this situation looms, TRPCL planned to go for a serious awareness campaign to transform Tripura into a ‘Nesha mukt’ or drug-free State.
Amidst this mounting crisis, Capt GS Rathee, the OSD to the TRPCL chairperson, Patal Kanya Jamatia and former advisor to the Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) said, TRPCL has taken a proactive stance, initiating extensive awareness campaigns aimed at disseminating critical information en masse.
Capt. G.S. Rathee unveiled the strategies employed during his tenure at the TTAADC. He highlighted the establishment of a Drug Awareness & Rehabilitation committee, The Committee organized over 50 impactful awareness programs across TTAADC areas within a short span. However, the efficacious machinery fell into disarray following his resignation, underscoring the dire need for sustained efforts.
Drawing from past successes, Capt. Rathee underscored the replication of the same model within TRPCL’s framework. He articulated the organization’s commitment to safeguarding Tripura’s youth, aligning their efforts with the government’s Viksit Bharat initiative. Furthermore, he unveiled TRPCL’s declaration of the period from December 2023 to 2024 as the ‘Year of Determination’, signifying an intensified campaign against this menacing challenge.
Highlighting the indispensable role of collaboration in this battle, Capt. Rathee emphasized TRPCL’s intent to engage with both national and international organizations. Their collaborative efforts aim not only to combat the issue at hand but also to institute diverse rehabilitation measures. The ultimate goal is to channel the vigor and potential of Tripura’s youth towards the holistic development of society.
Rathee emphasized, TRPCL’s vision extends beyond awareness campaigns, fostering a collaborative synergy that can redirect the youth’s energy towards constructive pathways, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for Tripura.