Jammu, February 5, 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday announced that a comprehensive legislation aimed at combating drug abuse will be tabled during the ongoing session of the Legislative Assembly.
Making the announcement on the floor of the House, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo said that the draft Drug Abuse Bill has been finalised and will be introduced in the current Assembly session. She emphasized that the government is taking the growing menace of drug addiction seriously and is committed to addressing it through strong legal, preventive, and rehabilitative measures.
The minister’s statement came in response to concerns raised by National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq. He recalled that he had earlier introduced a private member’s bill seeking mandatory inclusion of awareness about the harmful effects of drug addiction in school curricula, which he later withdrew after receiving assurances from the government that it would bring a comprehensive law on the issue.
Replying to the query, Sakina Itoo informed the House that, in addition to the proposed legislation, the government has also finalised the Drug De-addiction Rules. “The rules have already been framed and forwarded to the Law Department for scrutiny and necessary examination,” she said.
She further stated that the government’s approach goes beyond legislation and includes strengthening awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation mechanisms across the Union Territory. The aim, she said, is to protect the younger generation and provide effective support systems for those affected by substance abuse.
The proposed bill is expected to lay down a robust framework for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and stricter action against drug trafficking and abuse, reflecting the government’s resolve to tackle the issue in a comprehensive manner.
