Dumka Central Jail hosts anti-drug awareness campaign
PNS
DUMKA
Underscoring the critical need to reform jail inmates and curb the menace of substance abuse, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dumka, orchestrated a comprehensive awareness drive inside the premises of the Central Jail on Friday. Organized on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the initiative aimed to educate prisoners on the dark realities of narcotics and inspire them toward a path of rehabilitation and social reintegration. The program was conducted under the institutional framework of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and the strategic direction of Sudhanshu Kumar Shashi, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-DLSA Chairman.
During his keynote address, DLSA Secretary Vivek Kumar highlighted how drug dependency acts as a catalyst for broader societal issues. He remarked that addiction is rarely a isolated crisis; rather, it fundamentally deteriorates an individual’s physical health, impairs cognitive judgment, and inflicts long-term psychological and economic trauma on their families. The Secretary pointed out that a significant portion of criminal actions stem from substance dependence, making it imperative for individuals within the correctional system to break free from the cycle of addiction and act as deterrents for others in their communities.
The session served as an informative platform where legal professionals shed light on the strict statutory penalties under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Simultaneously, the inmates were briefed on the mechanics of addiction recovery, institutional support structures, and the absolute necessity of psychological rehabilitation. The speakers collectively emphasized that true redemption lies in abandoning criminal pathways, embracing positive behavioral changes, and aligning with the socio-economic mainstream.
Adding a practical dimension to the drive, Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and members of the Legal Aid Defense Counsel held one-on-one interactions with the inmates to assess their ongoing legal challenges. The prisoners were sensitized about their constitutional right to free legal aid and how to access state-sponsored counsel. The event culminated in an emotional climax as the assembled inmates took a solemn vow to lead a drug-free existence and foster positivity upon their release. The drive concluded successfully with active cooperation from senior prison officials, security personnel, and legal volunteers.
