CSJP voices concern over rampant abuse of drugs Published on: June 27, 2011 - 01:28
PANAJI: The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) on Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking Day has voiced its "deep concern" over the rampant abuse of drugs in Goan society. CSJP has urged the people to take a serious look at the culture of alcohol and drugs that is engulfing the state in leaps and bounds and advised the government to impose measures to curb the sale of alcohol and enforce the law to bring to book those who in an intoxicated state endanger the lives of citizens and disturb the peace in the family and society. It also wanted existing de-addiction centres to be well equipped and manned by highly motivated and adequately qualified staff. Admitting that the government has been enacting various laws for the welfare of the woman and the child, it has criticised its failure to impose sufficient curbs on drug trade and on the consumption of alcohol in particular, arguing that this has been the cause of trauma for several homes in Goa's villages. "It is most unfortunate that taking the cover of tourism, the government has been promoting intoxicants and in the process promoting an unhealthy culture, not only among tourists who visit the state but also among the local population," said the executive secretary, CSJP, Fr Maverick Fernandes. "Abuse of alcohol and drugs besides affecting the performance of the individuals in the productive age group has also been destroying the peace and health of the family members and society at large. The rising number of road accidents, drowning on beaches and anti-social activity resulting from alcohol and drug abuse is earning a bad name for the state and is also making life for the ordinary citizen difficult and insecure," CSJP said, and argued that the rising number of alcohol abusers among Goa's labour force has been causing concern for the employers. "The high incidence of young widows in several talukas of Goa caused due to death of their spouses from alcohol abuse is a blot on our society," it has mentioned. "It is a matter of shame that government supported agencies instead of promoting healthy lifestyles are involved in promoting the consumption of alcohol thereby setting a wrong example to the younger generation and while the alcohol trade has been flourishing in Goa the responsibility of providing sufficient support systems for recovery of those afflicted by addiction to these substances has been overlooked both by the government and industry that profits from this trade," it has observed. http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/csjp-voices-concern-over-rampant-abuse-drugs
