Assam to set up government rehab centres in every district to fight drug addiction

Assam CM announced government rehabilitation centres in every district to fight drug addiction, citing complaints against private facilities. He also directed officials to create industrial land banks.Sarma said the agreement would bring member countries together to strengthen the fight against narcotics.Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced plans to set up government-run rehabilitation centres in every district to help people battling drug addiction recover and return to normal life.Addressing a press conference in Jorhat after a two-day conference of district commissioners, Sarma said the government had received several complaints against private de-addiction centres and found instances of drug consumption at some of them.“We will strictly scrutinise the private rehab centres. Government centres will be set up in each district, and soon there will be no need for private rehab facilities,” he said.Referring to the BRICS Guwahati Declaration on drugs, Sarma said the agreement would bring member countries together to strengthen the fight against narcotics. “A safer future for our people needs a united fight against drugs,” he said.The Chief Minister also said the conference discussed plans to create land banks in every district to facilitate industrial development. He said investments were coming into Assam but the availability of suitable land remained a challenge. “Investments are coming to Assam, but enough land is not available to set up industries. I have directed the district commissioners to explore suitable land in their areas so that a land bank is made available for the industries,” Sarma said.Discussions were also held on improving the education system at the middle-school level and strengthening various aspects of the health sector. Sarma directed district commissioners to ensure effective implementation of government schemes and remain focused on public welfare.“Our administration will be available 24 hours, 365 days, driven by discipline, technology and a relentless commitment to people,” he said.Earlier, Sarma said in a post on X that district commissioners had been asked to move away from a “colonial administrative mindset” and bring greater discipline and efficiency to public service.He also called for private-sector professionalism in government functioning, saying technology and artificial intelligence had become integral to everyday governance.The two-day conference, held in Jorhat, concluded shortly after midnight following more than 27 hours of deliberations involving ministers, district commissioners and senior officials across 15 departments.“Assam’s districts must compete to excel. I expect every DC to work towards making their district the finest in the country,” Sarma said, stressing that day-to-day governance must keep pace with the reforms being pursued by the government.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 15, 2026 22:08 IST