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Tura, January 14, 2026: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Garo Hills, Tura, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) and under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), observed National Youth Day by organizing an awareness programme under the DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) Scheme, 2025 at Kendriya Vidyalaya School, West Garo Hills, Tura, on Tuesday at 11:00 A.M.

The programme was organized with the objective of sensitizing students and youth about the growing menace of drug abuse and to create awareness on legal provisions, preventive measures, rehabilitation, and wellness support systems available for individuals affected by substance abuse. The initiative also aimed at encouraging young minds to adopt a healthy, responsible, and drug-free lifestyle.

The DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) Scheme, 2025 is a legal services initiative focused on spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse while providing guidance, counselling, and legal support for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of substance-affected persons. The scheme emphasizes early intervention, community participation, and active youth engagement to build a drug-free and healthy society.

John Cronin Ch. Sangma, Legal Aid Counsel, Tura, and resource person of the programme, chaired the session and elaborated on the objectives of the DAWN Scheme. He explained the key provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, a comprehensive legislation enacted to regulate and control narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and to curb their misuse and illicit trafficking. He strongly advised the students to strictly abstain from drugs and never to experiment or come into contact with any form of narcotic substances.

B.N. Marak, Circle Inspector (Sardar), West Garo Hills, Tura, spoke in detail on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, highlighting offences, penalties, and the stringent legal consequences related to possession, consumption, manufacturing, and trafficking of prohibited substances. He advised the attendees to remain vigilant about their surroundings and to be able to identify substances, objects, and activities that must be strictly avoided. He further cautioned students and participants to exercise care while sharing or lending their vehicles to friends or other individuals, noting that drug peddlers often exploit such situations, which may unknowingly place innocent persons in serious legal trouble.

During his address, Marak also highlighted the DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission) Project, launched by the Government of Meghalaya, which is a comprehensive state-wide initiative aimed at combating drug abuse through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and enforcement. He informed the participants that the project focuses on community involvement, awareness generation, support for de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, and coordinated action among stakeholders to make Meghalaya a drug-free state.

The programme witnessed active participation from students, teachers, and staff of Kendriya Vidyalaya, reflecting strong interest and engagement on the subject. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the commitment of the legal services institutions and enforcement agencies to continue promoting legal awareness, drug prevention initiatives, and youth well-being in the district.