Inauguration of Drug, De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre at Kitchudumra

Namchi, 12th August (IPR): The Chief Justice High Court of Sikkim and Patron in Chief, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority Mr. Justice Biswanath Somadder in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated the Drug, De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre at Kitchudumra in Namchi, today. Present amongst others were spouse of Chief Minister Mrs. Krishna Rai, Speaker (SLA) Mr. L. B. Das, Minister Social Welfare Department Dr. M. K. Sharma, Area MLA Mrs. Sunita Gajmer, Judge High Court of Sikkim and Executive Chairperson, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority Mrs. Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Secretary Women and Child Development Department Ms. Ganga D. Pradhan, Secretary Social Welfare Department Mr. Tshewang Gyacho, DC (Namchi) Mr. M. Bharani Kumar, Officials from various line departments and public at large.
Addressing the gathering Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the departments involved in establishing the Drug, De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre at Kitchudumra, which he said will be extremely beneficial for the people of Sikkim especially to those who are struggling with drug abuse and in need of assistance. He highlighted in brief how in today’s world it is important to respond substantially to various kinds of substance abuse via providing quality treatment. In this regards the State Government has established this institute which can dispense proper cure which is accessible wherein the rehabilitation services are appropriate to the patients needs and is sufficiently standardized. The Chief Minister added that setting up of this centre at Poklok- Kamrang constituency is a boon as this centre will aid in bringing about positive changes in the lives of the people being treated at the centre.
He also highlighted about the various kinds of skill development training which will be provided in this centre and informed about the various entrepreneurship initiatives of the State Government in the field of Skilled Youth Start-up Scheme. The patients in this centre can also be introduced to this scheme and become self employed by setting up of manufacturing/service/business/co-operative/Agriculture and other allied enterprises. He updated that they can choose from the varied areas such as in Dairy, Poultry and Piggery and others once they are discharged from the centre so that they can earn their own livelihood and become self-reliant. He updated that this centre to be run by highly qualified professionals and aim to be one of a kind centre which is friendly with effective strategy to rehabilitate the patients.
The Chief Minister also announced double lane road amounting to 60 crores connecting Namchi to Kitchudumra has been recently sanctioned which will make commute easier and convenient for the locals. He also spoke about the upcoming Independence Day which this year is being celebrated at Bhaichung Stadium and informed that a number of the State Government schemes will be launched during the occassion. Moreover, he emphasized that the State has with much fervour observed Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and Har Ghar Trianga campaign and will continue to honour the nation through various activities.
Speaking, during the occasion Mr. Justice Biswanath Somadder expressed his congratulations to the State Government and the department in inaugurating the Drug, De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre at Kitchudumra which he said is much needed in today’s world. He termed this as a historic moment as this centre will assist in treatment of deep rooted social malaise which is commonly referred to as drug addiction. Mr. Justice Biswanath Somadder emphasized that this state of art facility if utilized constructively can be a signature project wherein the three organs of the state in successfull partnership have created a centre which has the capability of creating a better tomorrow. He elaborated that treatment and rehabilitation services in this centre should play a key role in reducing the social stigma and discrimi-nation against drug abusers and support theirreintegration into society as healthy and productivemembers of the community.
Minister Dr. M. K. Sharma updated that this Drug, De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre has been set up with a profound aim which revolves about bringing about a constructive change amongst the Drug abusers as well as the society in large. He added that this centre will be complete with quality professionals who will support the patients during their treatment and integrate with existing health and social agencies and provide a continuum of care. Furthermore, he appraised this centre will also imbibe the objectives of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and take steps to address the issues related to drugs and its effects.
Chief Engineer Mr. C. V Basnet spoke in brief about the main components of the projects and includes a Detoxification Centre, which is a single storied structure with a floor area of 4198 sft. It has two detoxification dormitories with attached toilets and bathrooms that can accommodate 8 Males and 8 Females. Facilities like visiting doctor’s room, nurse’s room, separate retiring room with attached washrooms, a pantry, store rooms, common washrooms and one common differently abled friendly washroom has been built. In, Boys Rehabilitation Hostel as well as in the Girls Rehabilitation Hostel, there is a single storied structure of 4628.00 sft. which houses three dormitories of 30 people capacity and a caretaker room. A study hall of size 24’x20’ and a recreation room has also been included in this hostel unit. Separate bathroom and toilet facilities have also been provided. A reception area cum waiting room greets a person upon entry. The provision of toilet for disabled person has been incorporated in the structure.
Likewise, in Livelihood School is a two storied RCC building with a GCI roofing on tubular truss. The Basement Floor area measures 5828 sq ft which consists of components like staff dormitory, two numbers of counseling room, two numbers of classrooms, a waiting area, two office room and staff toilets. There are separate gentleman’s and ladies dining hall and toilets as well. Common kitchen, common store, service porch, janitor’s room and entrance lobby is also available. The Ground Floor area measures 5000 sft. It has two Multipurpose Halls with attached Teacher’s Room and a store room, two Workshop Halls with attached Teacher’s Room and store room, two units washrooms for Ladies and Gentleman at both the ends. A Janitor’s room, disabled friendly toilets and waiting room cum reception area has also been entailed.
Staff quarter for female-in-charge is also accessible which is a single unit quarter with a floor area of 490 sq. ft. with a room, kitchen, verandah and attached washroom. The Staff quarter design for male- in- charge is similar to that of female in -charge unit.
The centre also has complete internal water supply and sanitation facilities. A dedicated External Water Supply line has been provided for the infrastructure. Two numbers of reservoir tank of capacity 8000 liters and 50000 liters in standby has been provided.
Alongwith water supply complete Internal and External Electrification with a dedicated transformer has been provided for the centre. Furniture, Furnishings and Crockery has been given. Other amenities includes, an approach road, boundary fencing, entry gate cum guard’s room, CCTV coverage and parking facilities for 20 numbers of vehicles.