Aizawl, 17 May 2025, Virthli (ONP): Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma and Social Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii held a high-level meeting on May 16 to review and discuss the growing challenges posed by drug abuse in the state, and the government’s ongoing efforts to care for and rehabilitate affected individuals.
The meeting, held at the Chief Minister's Office, was attended by departmental officials from the Social Welfare Department, who presented a detailed briefing on current initiatives and challenges in tackling substance abuse.
Key highlights included updates on the state's 11 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs) and proposals for new centers in five districts - Saitual, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Lawngtlai, and Mamit -with funding support being pursued from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Plans were also shared for establishing a Multi-Disciplinary Treatment and Training Center at Thingsulthliah, and further development of the Jordan Center as a specialized hub.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized the importance of after-care and skill development programs for individuals recovering from addiction. He stressed the need for practical training to ensure that rehabilitated persons can reintegrate into society successfully. He also indicated that, should community-based organizations like TNT and other faith-based de-addiction centers introduce skill development initiatives, the government would consider providing Grant-in-Aid support.
The Social Welfare Minister assured that her department would work swiftly to implement the necessary steps outlined during the meeting.
Discussions also touched on TBCC (Treatment and Behavioral Change Center) operations. Minister Pi Lalrinpuii highlighted the need for collaborative work between the government, churches, and community leaders to ensure proper admission of recovering addicts and sustained post-treatment care.
Later that afternoon, the Social Welfare Minister convened a separate consultation with leaders from various religious denominations and NGOs, including CYMA, MUP, MKHC, and CCM. During this interaction, she emphasized that all rehabilitation centers must comply with The Mizoram Drug (Controlled Substance) Act, 2016, and the Mizoram Drug Treatment-cum-Rehabilitation Center Accreditation Rules, 2019, along with related guidelines. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support only those centers that are properly accredited and operate transparently.
Church representatives, including those from PCI, BCM, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist, and IKK, pledged their cooperation and stressed the urgency of faith-based interventions to combat drug abuse. They also called for more widespread awareness and education campaigns, especially in communities facing increasing addiction rates.
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The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that drug rehabilitation requires a unified, multi-sectoral approach that includes government, civil society, and religious institutions working together for a healthier Mizoram.
