Agartala, January 20, 2025: In a significant step towards combating the drug menace, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha performed the ‘bhumi puja’ on Monday for the state’s first-ever drug de-addiction centre at Bishramganj in Sepahijala district.
The upcoming facility, estimated at ₹121.90 crore, promises state-of-the-art amenities, including a swimming pool, yoga centre, and medical facilities, aimed at ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals battling addiction. The project is funded under the PM-DevINE scheme, with ₹86.12 crore from the Ministry of Development for North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the remaining amount contributed by the state government.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Saha reiterated his government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse. “Drug addiction is a social disease. While law enforcement agencies are making every effort to curb drug abuse, society must also play its part in addressing this issue,” he emphasized.
The CM highlighted that the de-addiction centre will also serve as a referral facility, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives in the region.
Addressing allegations from the opposition that unemployment is driving youth towards drugs, Saha countered by stating that his government has taken substantial steps to address joblessness. “Since 2018, the BJP government has filled 13,000 posts across various departments, along with additional employment opportunities through outsourcing and Daily Rated Workers (DRW),” he asserted.
