SHILLONG : In a major step towards tackling the growing menace of drug addiction, Meghalaya’s Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) has launched a vocational training programme aimed at helping recovered drug users rebuild their lives.
As part of the initiative, skill development tools worth ₹9 lakh were distributed to four rehabilitation centres in Shillong. The programme is designed to address the high relapse rate among recovering addicts, which currently stands at an alarming 70–80%.
DREAM Director Francis Kharshiing said the initiative was introduced in response to the serious heroin addiction problem in the state, particularly in Shillong.
He revealed that many heroin users spend between ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 daily to sustain their addiction, with some resorting to petty crimes to fund their habit.
Under the programme, recovered users will receive training in practical skills such as bakery, food processing, plumbing, and electrical wiring. The goal is to enable them to become self-reliant and successfully reintegrate into society.
“This marks a shift towards holistic recovery — not just treatment, but also dignity, self-reliance, and long-term reintegration,” Kharshiing emphasized.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with rehabilitation centres, ITIs, and vocational training institutions. Participants will also receive certification and assistance with job placement, increasing their chances of sustainable employment.
Kharshiing further highlighted that investing in skill development is a more effective and economical approach compared to the consequences of relapse, which often lead to increased crime and deeper addiction cycles.
The programme is expected to play a crucial role in transforming lives and strengthening the fight against drug abuse in Meghalaya.