Dr. Sushil Gupta, State President of the Aam Aadmi Party and a Rajya Sabha Member, issued a stark warning on Wednesday, directing attention to the escalating issues of substance abuse and unemployment in Haryana. His statement painted a troubling picture of the state, emphasizing the unprecedented surge in drug addiction, particularly among the youth.
According to Dr. Gupta, the menace of substance abuse has permeated every household in Haryana, with the youth being the most vulnerable. In his critique of the state government, he asserted that combating this pervasive issue requires proactive intervention at a level that only the government can provide. He argued that allowing the drug trade to flourish unabated poses a serious threat to the well-being of the youth, necessitating urgent and comprehensive measures.
Dr. Gupta underscored the urgency of the situation by referencing recent tragedies where over 20 lives were lost in two districts due to the consumption of counterfeit alcohol. These incidents serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for decisive actions to curb the rising tide of substance abuse.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data further revealed a distressing reality in Haryana, where the number of suicides related to substance abuse is the highest in the country. The suicide rate has spiked to 12.6 individuals per 100,000 population, surpassing the national average. Dr. Gupta attributed this alarming trend to the pervasive issue of unemployment in the state.
He argued that the lack of employment opportunities has created a breeding ground for despair, leading to adverse effects on the mental health of the youth. Dr. Gupta expressed disappointment with the Haryana government, accusing it of neglecting the plight of unemployed youth over the past nine years. In his view, the government’s failure to address the issue has left a significant portion of the population grappling with unemployment and its consequential impact on families.
Dr. Gupta called for immediate and comprehensive measures to address the root causes of the crisis. He emphasized the need for the government to focus on creating employment opportunities and establishing support systems for the unemployed youth. The State President advocated for the establishment of rehabilitation centres to aid those battling addiction and stressed the importance of mental health programs to address the growing crisis.
Furthermore, he urged the government to collaborate with various stakeholders, including NGOs and community organizations, to implement holistic solutions. Dr. Gupta highlighted the significance of raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and creating a supportive environment for those affected.
Dr. Sushil Gupta’s statements bring to light the severe challenges faced by the youth of Haryana due to the dual impact of escalating substance abuse and rampant unemployment. His call for immediate government action underscores the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackle these issues and safeguard the well-being of the state’s future generations. The urgency of the situation demands swift and decisive measures to address the root causes and provide a ray of hope for the youth in Haryana.
