Shillong, May 16: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently chaired a review meeting on the Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Action Mission (DREAM) at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Shillong, to assess ongoing initiatives related to drug rehabilitation, enforcement, and awareness across Meghalaya.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Social Welfare Department and other allied departments. Discussions focused on the status of rehabilitation infrastructure in the State, including operational centres and new proposals from various districts under the DREAM initiative.
Officials informed that several rehabilitation centres are currently functional, while multiple new proposals are under examination. Challenges such as delays in obtaining Non Objection Certificates (NOCs), shortage of land, and procedural bottlenecks in setting up new facilities were highlighted during the meeting.
It was also informed that efforts are underway to standardise design templates and implementation frameworks for rehabilitation centres to ensure faster and more efficient execution. Rehabilitation services under DREAM are presently being supported through government interventions in collaboration with civil society organisations and faith-based institutions.
The meeting further reviewed enforcement measures undertaken by the police, including seizure and arrest figures as well as preventive actions under relevant legal provisions. Officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen financial investigations in drug-related cases.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stressed the need to further strengthen enforcement through financial investigations and coordinated inter-agency action within the framework of the law. He also underlined the importance of structured public communication on enforcement outcomes to improve public awareness and deterrence.
A major focus of the meeting was on prevention and awareness initiatives through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategies. Discussions included expanding outreach through community networks, educational institutions, and local leadership structures, along with the use of QR-based systems to provide confidential access to rehabilitation information and services.
The Chief Minister called for a structured and outcome-oriented approach with clearly defined action points, timelines, and periodic review mechanisms to monitor progress under the DREAM mission.
The meeting concluded with directions to enhance coordination among departments and speed up the implementation of ongoing and proposed interventions in a time-bound manner.
