Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up for a major legislative assault on drug addiction, with Health Minister Sakeena Itoo announcing Thursday that the anti-drug abuse bill will hit the assembly floor this session.
During question hour, Itoo shared that de-addiction rules are sealed and with the law ministry for final nods. Shocking data followed: 49,276 cases since 2022, split as 32,517 in Jammu and 16,759 in Kashmir.
She referenced NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq’s withdrawn bill mandating anti-drug curricula in schools, crediting it for spurring action. The government, she said, is now delivering on those commitments.
The numbers are sobering. Parliament was told of 10 lakh addicts in J&K—8% of locals. A committee pegged it at 13.5 lakh in 2023, targeting prime working ages 18-75.
As youth and families suffer, this bill offers a lifeline through regulation, treatment, and enforcement. Itoo’s pledge signals a proactive stance, potentially transforming J&K’s fight against narcotics with real policy muscle.