Shillong | October 8, 2025
The Government of Meghalaya reaffirmed its commitment to a drug-free future as Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, chaired a high-level review meeting on the DREAM Mission (Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Management) at 12:30 p.m. on October 8, 2025. The meeting, attended by senior officials from multiple departments, focused on the integrated framework of Prevention, Treatment, and Regulation, emphasizing collective responsibility and interdepartmental action.
Chief Minister’s Opening Remarks: From Awareness to Action
In his opening address, the Hon’ble Chief Minister underscored that the success of DREAM hinges on a “whole-of-government, whole-of-society” approach. While awareness has been a strong foundation, the next phase must prioritize implementation and accountability. He urged every department to take ownership of its role in building a coordinated and results-driven mechanism against substance abuse.
The Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department, presented an overview of the progress achieved under the DREAM Mission, highlighting ongoing initiatives in prevention, rehabilitation, and community participation.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister laid out a roadmap for the next six months, setting clear deliverables and timelines to accelerate implementation across all districts.
Key decisions included:
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District Infrastructure: Each of Meghalaya’s 12 districts is to establish one De-addiction Centre and one Detoxification Centre by January 2026. Existing government hospitals or public buildings will be upgraded to meet these requirements.
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Halfway Homes: Three zonal Halfway Homes — in Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, and Jaintia Hills — will be set up to support post-rehabilitation reintegration, offering vocational training, police mentorship, and community support.
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Capacity Building: 24 doctors and 36 nurses will undergo specialized training in de-addiction and detoxification services at NIMHANS and other national institutions.
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Community & NGO Engagement: District Administrations will collaborate with faith-based organizations and NGOs to operate de-addiction centres and identify peer counsellors who can serve as experiential mentors.
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Helpline & Counselling Expansion: Community counselling will be scaled up through the DREAM-CARES helpline (14410), integrated with CM Connect for real-time responsiveness.
Prevention, Awareness, and Youth Engagement
The Hon’ble Chief Minister announced that 25% of the YES Meghalaya budget will be dedicated to prevention and awareness campaigns, including the rollout of the NAVCHETNA life skills modules in schools and communities. Educational institutions, youth clubs, and influencers will be mobilized to deliver messages in local languages and promote positive lifestyles.
The DIPR will lead a visibility campaign with John Abraham and players from NorthEast United FC as DREAM Ambassadors, alongside local district champions, to inspire youth engagement and community confidence.
Strengthening Law Enforcement and Community Vigilance
The Home Department will intensify surveillance and enforcement through CCTV installations, weekly raids, and public destruction of seized drug lots. Community vigilance will be reinforced through collaboration with local Dorbar Shnongs and police units to maintain consistent oversight.
Regulation, Accountability, and Monitoring
To ensure transparency and measurable progress, the Chief Minister directed the creation of:
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Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all rehabilitation and detox centres.
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A DREAM Monitoring Cell and data dashboard to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and progress reports monthly.
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Quarterly community audits of rehab and halfway homes, led by faith institutions and NGOs.
Departments were also instructed to utilize state funds immediately for implementation, without waiting for central allocations.
Interdepartmental Synergy
The meeting reiterated that DREAM’s strength lies in interdepartmental collaboration. Key departments — including Social Welfare, Health & Family Welfare, MPOWER, MSRLS, and Education — will align their strategies under a unified framework, ensuring every initiative supports the mission’s overarching goals.
