Over the past four years, the Government of Assam has undertaken landmark initiatives to crackdown on social evils that lead to a downward spiral of life, in general, and society, in particular. The Government has not shied away from sending a stern message to perpetrators of social evils demonstrating a “no mercy strategy” on social ills. These include a crackdown on drugs, child marriage and cyber criminals.
War on Drugs
Crackdown on drug abuse has been a priority of the Government once it took charge in May 2021. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a head-on approach to curb drug menace across Assam. The strategy has also paid dividends. Official data received by Asom Barta at the time of filing of this report state that 12,398 cases have been registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Drugs worth ₹2,604.21 cr have been seized and destroyed and 20,293 people related to the illegal activity have been arrested.
The official document reveals that “553 kg Heroin, 24 kg Crystal Methamphetamine, 1,61,95,387 Tablets and Capsules, 12,44,271 bottles of codeine-based Cough Syrups, 1,25,541 kg Ganja, 621 kg Opium, 3,324 kg Poppy Straw, and ₹6,85,03,237 cash have been seized so far.”
The Chief Minister, sharing the data on X, posted, “Since 2021, we have taken a firm stand against the menace of drugs. Under our Mission Assam Against Drugs, we have seized over ₹2,600 cr worth of various drugs and arrested over 20,000 people to contribute to the overall vision of a Drugs Free Bharat.”
Breaking Chains of Child Marriage
Since January 2023, the State Government has launched a massive crackdown against Child Marriage which has yielded impressive results. (Pl see table)
Taking the fight to the grassroots, a Government notification has been issued declaring the Secretaries of Gaon Panchayats in general areas and Lot Mandals of Circle Offices in Sixth Schedule areas as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) empowering them to lodge FIRs. So far, three special drives against child marriage have been carried out.
Meanwhile, four villages Rukni Part IV under Palonghat Development Block, Bhairabpur Part I under Kalain Development Block, Rosekandy Grant I and Rosekandy Grant II under Tapang Development Block of Cachar district have been declared child marriage-free village.
The action has evoked response from all quarters, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who lauded Assam’s sustained crackdown on child marriage and urged other NDA-ruled states to emulate the approach to build a healthier society. Addressing the media, Chief Minister said, “I was asked to give a presentation on Assam’s fight against child marriage, and everybody attending the conclave appreciated it. Following this, PM Modi asked officials from NDA-ruled states to visit Assam and take stock of how we are going about it.”
Combating Cyber Crimes
Cybercrime has profoundly impacted society by causing financial losses, endangering lives and securities and eroding confidence in online services. Cyber security has also been one of the top points of attention for the State Government.
At a cost of ₹11.30 cr, two Cyber Police Stations- one at CID office and other at Police Commissionerate have been made functional. Besides, two Cyber Police Outposts – one in Dibrugarh district and another in Cachar district have been established.
Under the National Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 a total of 30,753 complaints have been tackled with ₹138 cr reported in fraud with recovery standing at ₹19.42 cr.
