Staff Reporter, Guwahati, July 26: Assam Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Pijush Hazarika on Wednesday convened three special meetings at his office here. The representatives of the Assam Senior Citizens' Association, organisations of other differently abled persons and newly formed de-addiction centres owners association were present. At the very beginning the minister discussed various issues related to senior citizens. Minister Hazarika also directed the department to constitute advisory committees and hold meetings as decided earlier for the welfare of senior citizens. In today's meeting, issues like pension, healthcare etc. of senior citizens were also discussed. Baneshwar Khaund, on behalf of the Assam Senior Citizens' Association expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support of the Government for undertaking various welfare and upliftment related policies for senior citizens. In today's meeting the minister discussed the issue of people illegally obtaining fake certificates of differently abled persons. He also assured to take a departmental enquiry to find out such illegal certificate holders to provide the benefits to actual beneficiaries. The Minister also informed that Ayushman Assam Scheme which was launched by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, have been providing healthcare facilities up to Rs 5 lakh per annum, which are also available to differently abled persons equally. Finally the minister discussed various drug related issues with newly formed de-addiction centres owners association. Minister said that overdose of drugs and drug addiction can ruin the lives of not only the individuals but also affect their families. He also said that the state government has been taking a strong stance against illegal drugs and drug traffickers since the formation of the government under Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. He also reviewed the new roles and regulations which were to be implemented for de-addiction centres. It is to be mentioned that according to available official figures, about 2,300 people died of drug overdoses in our country from 2017 to 2019. The worst of these is the death of about 70 children aged 14 to 18 years.
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