Tripura's Khowai district honored by NCPCR for efforts to combat drugs and trafficking

By TC News Desk

Agartala, July 1, 2024: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has felicitated Khowai district as the best performing district for implementing the Joint Action Plan on “Prevention of Child Rights”. 'child drug and substance abuse and illicit trafficking'. This distinction was awarded on June 30 (Sunday) during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Nityananda Rai, Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, presented the award to District Magistrate Chandni Chandran. “Khowai’s dedication and innovative methods are exemplary,” Rai said.

The event was attended by prominent personalities such as NCPCR president Priyank Kanungo, member secretary Rupali Banerjee Singh and Narcotics Control Bureau director general Satya Narayan Pradhan. “Khowai’s holistic strategy and community engagement were key,” Kanungo said.

Khowai excelled in installing CCTV cameras in medical offices, activating Prabhari clubs in schools and implementing the COTPA Act. The district also benefited from the CHESTA programme, launched by Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha in November 2022, which aimed to prevent child marriage and reintegrate victims into education. “CHESTA has significantly reduced human trafficking,” Pradhan noted.

Intensified police efforts have led to a doubling of drug seizures over the past year, reinforcing Khowai's leading role in the fight against drug addiction and trafficking.