Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Monday visited The Prodigal Commune at Chongkham and interacted with inmates as part of the “Seva Mera Yogdan” programme under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan for Nasha Mukt Bharat. During the visit, Mein administered a pledge for building a drug-free society and highlighted the importance of collective efforts to address substance abuse and its impact on individuals, families and communities. The Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the work of the Angulimala Welfare Society, which runs the rehabilitation initiative and supports individuals seeking to overcome substance dependence. He commended the organisation’s efforts in providing rehabilitation, community living, skill development and livelihood opportunities to help those recovering from substance abuse rebuild confidence and lead dignified lives. Mein said initiatives focused on rehabilitation and social reintegration can play an important role in helping affected individuals return to productive community life. He assured the organisation of government support for such humanitarian efforts and stressed that addressing substance abuse cannot be the responsibility of any single institution or group. According to Mein, families, communities, civil society organisations and the government all have roles to play in creating an environment that discourages substance abuse and supports recovery. He said the “Seva Mera Yogdan” initiative is also focused on guiding young people towards constructive opportunities, particularly education, agriculture and skill development. These avenues, he said, can help young people develop skills, pursue livelihoods and build positive futures. Mein referred to the Chief Minister’s Yuva Kaushal Yojana as one of the initiatives aimed at supporting youth skill development and employment-oriented opportunities. He linked these efforts with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, which seeks to encourage development and greater participation of young people in the country’s future. The visit to the Prodigal Commune also provided an opportunity for the Deputy Chief Minister to interact directly with inmates and understand the rehabilitation environment and the challenges faced by people undergoing recovery. The programme underlined the importance of compassion, rehabilitation and livelihood support alongside efforts to prevent substance abuse. The Angulimala Welfare Society’s work at Chongkham reflects the role of community-based organisations in supporting people through recovery and helping them regain social and economic confidence. Mein’s visit reinforced the state government’s stated commitment to supporting such initiatives while encouraging young people to pursue education, agriculture and vocational skills. The emphasis remained on prevention, rehabilitation, community participation and sustainable opportunities as key elements of efforts to promote a healthier and drug-free society in Arunachal Pradesh.
