Assam Government to Establish Rehabilitation Centers to Combat Drug Abuse

In a significant move to combat the rising drug menace in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced plans to establish government-run rehabilitation centers in every constituency. This initiative follows a call from the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) for a comprehensive rehabilitation system. The Chief Minister highlighted the need to reduce reliance on private facilities, which have faced numerous complaints regarding drug availability. The announcement coincided with AASU's statewide anti-drug awareness rally, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and regulating rehabilitation centers. Sarma also discussed the state's role as a corridor for narcotics and the collaborative efforts needed to address this pressing issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 15, 2026, 18:25 IST

New Initiatives Against Drug Abuse in Assam

File image of Assam CM crushing a massive consignment of seized contraband by driving a road roller in Nalbari (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)

Jorhat, Sept 15: Following a call from the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) for a comprehensive government-supported rehabilitation framework to address the escalating drug issue in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday the intention to set up government-operated rehabilitation centers in each constituency across the state.

During a press briefing in Jorhat, Sarma mentioned that discussions regarding the establishment of these centers had taken place, aiming to lessen reliance on private rehabilitation options.

“We have decided to initiate government-run rehabilitation centers in every constituency and will closely monitor private facilities,” Sarma stated.

He noted that numerous complaints had been lodged against private rehab centers, including claims of drug availability within some of these establishments.

“We are devising plans to eliminate the necessity for private rehab centers, as we have received ongoing complaints regarding drug presence in these facilities,” he added.

This announcement from the Chief Minister followed a statewide anti-drug awareness rally organized by AASU.

AASU president Utpal Sharma emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of rehabilitation centers in Assam, raising concerns about their oversight and regulation.

He pointed out that some centers were allegedly being operated by individuals previously accused of drug addiction, questioning the legitimacy of such operations.

The student organization also advocated for an increased conviction rate in drug-related offenses and welcomed the government's decision to form a specialized narcotics unit, while requesting enhanced authority for this unit.

Sarma indicated that the government is actively monitoring the pathways through which narcotics infiltrate Assam, labeling the state as a “corridor” for drug trafficking.

“All narcotics entering Assam originate from Myanmar, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. A new route has emerged from Arunachal Pradesh to Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, but the primary source remains Myanmar, which then distributes to other states,” he explained.

“This has indeed become a corridor,” the Chief Minister affirmed.

He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both the Assam government and the public in combating the drug crisis, while recognizing the magnitude of the challenge.

“The Assam government and the public are both engaged in this fight, but the issue is formidable,” Sarma remarked.

In reference to the BRICS anti-drug conference held in Guwahati, Sarma noted that representatives from BRICS nations participated in the two-day event, resulting in the formulation of an anti-drug action plan known as the Guwahati Declaration.

“This plan was ratified during the BRICS heads of state summit in New Delhi,” he concluded.