Govt to feed poor addicts

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a slew of measures for the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar made these announcements at a function in the capital today to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Kumar informed that the Ministry was already implementing a scheme for prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse, under which NGOs are supported to run counselling and treatment cum rehabilitation centres. Speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Gill said that while the British did not permit liquor shops in rural areas and in the vicinity of schools and hospitals, liquor shops today are looked upon as the main source of revenue for the state and being promoted. "Though we cannot entirely ban alcohol, we should be cautious like the British while allowing liquor shops to be opened," he said.