Will a New Drug Abuse Bill Be Introduced in the J&K Assembly?
Synopsis
The Jammu and Kashmir government is preparing to present a crucial bill addressing drug abuse in the ongoing legislative assembly session. With alarming statistics revealing over 49,000 cases of drug abuse since 2022, this initiative aims to combat the escalating drug crisis in the region effectively.
Key Takeaways
Government Bill: Introduction of a bill addressing drug abuse.
High Case Numbers: Over 49,000 reported cases since 2022.
Age Range: Majority of affected users aged 18 to 75.
De-addiction Efforts: Finalization of drug de-addiction rules.
Educational Initiatives: Focus on teaching youth about drug addiction dangers.
Jammu, February 5 (NationPress) - The government of Jammu and Kashmir is set to introduce a legislative bill addressing drug abuse during the current session of the legislative assembly, as confirmed by Sakina Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, on Thursday.
During her address in the assembly, the minister stated that the regulations for drug de-addiction have been finalized and forwarded to the law department.
She reported that there have been 49,276 documented cases of drug abuse since 2022.
The minister reiterated that a bill focused on drug abuse is to be presented in the ongoing legislative assembly session.
While speaking in the assembly, Sakina Itoo indicated that the bill is prepared and will soon be put forth in the House.
She noted that Tanvir Sadiq, a member of the National Conference, had previously proposed a bill aimed at mandating the education of young people regarding the dangers of drug addiction in schools.
Tanvir Sadiq mentioned that he had withdrawn his earlier bill following assurances from the government.
The Minister confirmed that the government is also working on finalizing the rules for drug de-addiction.
“We have developed the drug de-addiction regulations and submitted them to the Law Department for review,” she stated.
Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that 49,276 cases of drug abuse have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir since 2022, with 16,759 cases identified in Kashmir and 32,517 cases in Jammu.
In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a significant surge in drug use. As per official data presented by the Central Government in Parliament, nearly 1 million individuals in Jammu and Kashmir are affected by drug abuse, representing about 8% of the total population. On August 4, 2023, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Indian Parliament that the estimated number of drug users in Jammu and Kashmir is approximately 1.35 million, predominantly within the age group of 18 to 75 years.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the alarming rise in drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. The government’s initiative to introduce a bill aimed at tackling this issue reflects a necessary and urgent response to a growing public health crisis. This legislative effort needs the support of all stakeholders to effectively address the challenges posed by drug addiction in the region.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new drug abuse bill?
The new drug abuse bill aims to address the increasing problem of drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir, establishing regulations and measures for prevention and treatment.
How many drug abuse cases have been reported?
Since 2022, there have been 49,276 reported cases of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
Who is responsible for introducing the drug abuse bill?
The drug abuse bill is being introduced by Sakina Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education of Jammu and Kashmir.
What age group is most affected by drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir?
The majority of drug users in Jammu and Kashmir fall within the age range of 18 to 75 years.
What steps is the government taking regarding drug de-addiction?
The government is finalizing drug de-addiction regulations and aims to implement educational programs regarding the dangers of drug addiction in schools.
