Mangalore : Prof Hilda Rayappan, Centre Director of Prajna Counselling Centre said that Central government funds for the functioning alcohol and drug de-addiction centers in the district have not been released from past one and a half year for treating the victims.

She was speaking at the district administration’s coordination committee meeting with the NGOs- Non-Government Organizations held at DC’s Office on September 17, Wednesday.

Whereas another representative from Link Trada Counselling and De-addiction Centre informed that the it condition is same with their centre and in spite of repeated requests made to the Governemtn in this regard, the government had not responded. Today more number of youths are involved in alcohol and drug abuse cases and in such situation they are working for the noble cause and it is not possible for them to travel to New Delhi often, seeking grants.

Women and Child Welfare department Deputy Director Gatrud Vegas said that the Central government had recognized de-addiction centres in the Dakshina Kannada district, namely, Prajna, Trada and Cantous Innovative Project run by Society of the Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes but from past one year several Central government funded projects have been delayed.

She also said that apart from it, Central government had also sponsored one- day assessment camp for disabled to provide necessary aids and appliances eight months ago at Wenlock Hospital. Although 350 patients were identified for availing benefits within three months, it has not reached them till date. The request made to the Central government release the funds for de-addiction centres, went in-vain.

Hilda Rayappan also said that, Child Welfare Committee has been harassing the NGOs, running orphanages and shelter homes. Due to this some of the shelter homes were closing down. Hence, there must be co-ordination and support from the government departments and NGO.

Kamala Gowda from Shikshana Sampanmula Kendra urged the women and child welfare department to appoint counsellors in shelter homes to counsel rescued children before they are admitted to residential schools.