Block panchayats to form ‘de-addiction anonymous' groups to fight drug menace

In an attempt that appears to be aimed at addressing the increasing cases of drug addiction even in the rural areas of Kerala, the Local Self-Government department has now directed block panchayats to form 'de-addiction anonymous' groups following the model of alcoholics anonymous groups. The formation of such groups is part of several measures being taken as part of the State government's ongoing anti-drug campaign.
The Alcoholics Anonymous groups bring together alcoholics to share their issues and help each other achieve total abstinence from alcohol through a 12-step programme. Though there have been criticisms of its effectiveness, a considerable number of people are known to have achieved sobriety through the process. The government has directed block panchayats to form a sufficient number of 'de-addiction anonymous' groups by the end of December this year. Training programmes are also proposed for residents' association representatives to involve them in anti-drug campaigns.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will on June 2, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, will inaugurate the government's anti-drug campaign for the year. The government has chalked out short, mid and longer-term plans to fight the drug menace. As part of this, panchayats have been asked to activate its 'Jagratha committees' to organise focussed anti-drug programmes for each area. The local bodies have also been asked to keep an eye on the attendance levels of students in the schools in their respective areas, considering the prolonged absenteeism associated with drug use in students.
By October 31, all local bodies have to form community vigilance groups to monitor drug trade within their region and report to the authorities. Clandestine sale of drugs through shops near schools and colleges also will be monitored as part of this. Members of the Kudumbashree, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Mission and Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) will be part of the activities.

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Producers set to weed out drug abuse in Malayalam film industry; violators must compensate for losses: report

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The Hindu

20 hours ago

• The Hindu

Block panchayats to form ‘de-addiction anonymous' groups to fight drug menace

In an attempt that appears to be aimed at addressing the increasing cases of drug addiction even in the rural areas of Kerala, the Local Self-Government department has now directed block panchayats to form 'de-addiction anonymous' groups following the model of alcoholics anonymous groups. The formation of such groups is part of several measures being taken as part of the State government's ongoing anti-drug campaign. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups bring together alcoholics to share their issues and help each other achieve total abstinence from alcohol through a 12-step programme. Though there have been criticisms of its effectiveness, a considerable number of people are known to have achieved sobriety through the process. The government has directed block panchayats to form a sufficient number of 'de-addiction anonymous' groups by the end of December this year. Training programmes are also proposed for residents' association representatives to involve them in anti-drug campaigns. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will on June 2, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, will inaugurate the government's anti-drug campaign for the year. The government has chalked out short, mid and longer-term plans to fight the drug menace. As part of this, panchayats have been asked to activate its 'Jagratha committees' to organise focussed anti-drug programmes for each area. The local bodies have also been asked to keep an eye on the attendance levels of students in the schools in their respective areas, considering the prolonged absenteeism associated with drug use in students. By October 31, all local bodies have to form community vigilance groups to monitor drug trade within their region and report to the authorities. Clandestine sale of drugs through shops near schools and colleges also will be monitored as part of this. Members of the Kudumbashree, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Mission and Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) will be part of the activities.

Time of India

21 hours ago

• Time of India

Drug ban in Malayalam movie industry: Kerala producers make new rule compulsory in film contracts, claims report

In a decisive move to curb drug use in the Malayalam film industry , the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) has announced that all cast and crew members will soon be required to sign a mandatory 'no drugs' affidavit along with their remuneration contract, as per a OnManorama report. The implementation of this rule is scheduled for June 26, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Affidavit to Cover Both Sets and Accommodations According to the report, the affidavit is intended to prevent drug consumption not only on shooting sets but also at accommodations arranged for filming purposes. Anyone signing the agreement will be held accountable if they violate its terms. In such cases, the individual will be expected to compensate the producer for any financial losses incurred due to their actions. The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the KFPA, headed by Anto Joseph, to address the growing concerns about drug abuse within the film industry. According to reports, the new rule will apply to everyone involved in the production process, from actors to technicians and other crew members. Consultation With Industry Bodies To ensure broader industry support, the producers' association has submitted a draft of the affidavit to the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). FEFKA has reportedly agreed to the proposal, while AMMA is currently reviewing the plan and is expected to announce its decision following a general body meeting. The producers have requested AMMA to share its response by June 24. Background of Rising Drug-Related Incidents The move follows a series of drug-related controversies that have rocked the Malayalam film industry in recent months. In April, actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested for alleged drug use, with reports claiming he fled a hotel during a police attempt to detain him. Actress Vincy Aloshious also alleged that he misbehaved with her on set while under the influence. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists subsequently took disciplinary action against him. Other incidents include the arrests of directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza for drug possession, and claims by producer Haseeb Malabar that actor Sreenath Bhasi had asked for cannabis during a film shoot. In May, actress-producer Sandra Thomas alleged that some producers were even allocating funds to procure drugs for actors during production. This isn't the first time the Malayalam film industry has faced backlash over substance abuse. In 2023, FEFKA and KFPA imposed a temporary ban on actors Shane Nigam and Sreenath Bhasi due to drug-related misconduct on sets. The ban was lifted after they offered public apologies. The affidavit initiative marks the most formal and industry-wide attempt to address the issue so far. If successfully implemented, the requirement may set a precedent for other regional film industries to adopt similar preventive measures.