An Awareness Program on Substance Abuse cum Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on De-Addiction Centre was today organized by the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with the Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA) TI CC, Khliehriat at the Conference Hall, office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills, Khliehriat.
The programme, chaired by Smt. E. A Sangma, MCS, Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District was graced by the presence of Smti. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of 5-Sutnga Saipung Constituency as Chief Guest in the presence of Shri S. Awasthi, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri M. Kumar, IAS, SDO (Sadar), Smti. J.U Kharpuri, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shri S. Paslein, MPS, Additional
Superintendent of Police, Smti. K. Challam, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Jaintia Hills District, Dr J. N Shullai, Director, Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), other officials, traditional heads, VDP members and other stakeholders.
In her address, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of 5-Sutnga Saipung Constituency
lauded the initiative of the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District and Mihmyntdu
Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA) for organizing the programme and for
their continued efforts to combat substance abuse in the district. She commended the
dedication of the Village Defence Parties (VDPs), village headmen and community leaders
for their cooperation in maintaining peace and promoting health awareness. She also thanked
MCSWA for taking the responsibility of running the soon to be set up De-Addiction Center
which will provide much-needed services to those struggling with addiction. The MLA
stressed that only through collective understanding and collaboration can the district move
forward towards a healthier and drug-free future.
Shri S. Awasthi, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District in his speech
emphasised the importance of addressing substance abuse and HIV-related issues through
community participation and coordinated intervention. He explained that the De-Addiction
Centre will bridge the existing gap in rehabilitation services in the district, reducing the need
for patients to seek treatment outside. He also urged law enforcement personnel and VDP
members to carry out their duties with sensitivity and understanding, noting that compassion
and awareness are key to effective rehabilitation. The Deputy Commissioner further
mentioned that with support from the Tourism Department and the Department of Social
Welfare, the De-Addiction Centre will soon be made operational and accessible to all, aiming
for a drug-free and inclusive district.
Smt. J.N. Shullai, Director of MCSWA in her speech appreciated the VDPs in East
Jaintia Hills for being responsive and urged everyone not to discriminate against drug users
or resort to stigmatization of sex workers. She informed that 2,374 people in East Jaintia Hills
have registered for treatment in ART Centres while in West Jaintia Hills those registered in
ART Centres for medication are 3,189 in number.
Shri S. Paslein, MPS, Additional Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District
stressed that the fight against drugs must be collective, as the district’s proximity to the
Myanmar border poses unique challenges in curbing trafficking. He further urged the
gathering to support law enforcement even as he expressed appreciation for the village
headmen and VDP members for their continued cooperation in maintaining peace and order.
During the session, Shri Aris J. Nongkynrih, Chief Functionary, MCSWA presented
the Road Map on the Establishment of the 15-Bedded Drug De-Addiction & Rehabilitation
Centre in East Jaintia Hills, thanking the District Administration and DMF Trust for enabling
this public-civil society partnership.
It may be mentioned that this initiative has been made possible through the approval
of the Tourism Department for the utilisation of the non-functional Tourist Lodge at
Deinchynrum, which the DMF Trust, East Jaintia Hills District is transforming into a fully
functional facility through structural and infrastructural upgrades.
Under the MoU, the building has been allocated to MCSWA rent-free, with all
renovation works supervised by the DMF to ensure the facility meets the Minimum National
Quality Standards for Rehabilitation Centres before the formal handover.
Once operational, the centre will initially cater exclusively to male beneficiaries,
providing Clinical Detox Support with medical oversight, Therapeutic & Psychiatric
Counselling, Social Reintegration and Family Counselling, Relapse Prevention and
Community-based Follow-up.
Others who spoke during the occasion include Smti. J. U. Kharpuri, MCS, Additional
Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District who spoke on Women’s Welfare and Smti.
K. Challam, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, District Legal Services Authority
(DLSA), East Jaintia Hills District who emphasised the importance of understanding the
rights and rehabilitation needs of high-risk groups, including female sex workers and persons
affected by HIV. Both speakers urged the public to end the stigma and discrimination and to
work towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
A key highlight of the event was the formal signing of the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District and
MCSWA for the establishment of a new De-Addiction & Rehabilitation Centre at
Deinchynrum, East Jaintia Hills District which aims to provide comprehensive rehabilitation,
counselling, and reintegration support services.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Shri S. Marwein,
Research Officer, Planning Department.
This event marks a significant milestone in the East Jaintia Hills District’s effort to
combat substance abuse through strong administrative support, civil society partnership, and
a shared vision of a healthier, drug-free East Jaintia Hills.
