SCAC in Bumthang- 22nd March
The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee and the Hon'ble
Member from Bumthang held a consultative meeting with the Dzongdag, Dzongrab,
Officer Commanding, and sector heads to discuss substance abuse issues in the Dzongkhag.
During the meeting, the Dzongdag shared that in the past
five years, a total of 27 cases related to substance abuse were chargesheeted.
He expressed concern about the rising number of youths getting involved in
criminal activities.
The Officer Commanding stated that in 2025, six cases had
already been recorded, including marijuana and inhalants. These substances, he
reported were primarily abused by unemployed youth and students, reflecting a
troubling trend among the younger population. Additionally, it was pointed out
that except for Ura, all other gewogs have wild growth of marijuana, which is a
major factor fueling the substance abuse issue.
The Gups shared their concerns about the growing issue of
substance abuse in their communities. They stated that many of the youth
involved in these cases come from rural areas, where access to education and
employment opportunities is limited.
Discussions on inconsistency of government policies and laws
on alcohol and tobacco as well as the lack of enforcement on rules and
regulations are further compounding the problem.
In the afternoon, the committee met with the teachers and
students of Jakar Higher Secondary School.
Students raised concerns about peer pressure and the rising
use of tobacco in their community. They highlighted the lack of parental
guidance, stricter enforcement or ban of substances and interventions to help
children.
Teachers also noted the increasing use of alcohol, tobacco
and marijuana and said they are conducting frisking to check for substance
abuse. However, with 60% of the student population as day scholars, this poses
a challenge. The teachers called for greater community support to decrease the
availability of harmful substances.
