Kochi: The state will set up 10 drug de-addiction centres near existing government hospitals as part of its 'Vimukthi' project against alcoholism and drug abuse. While four centres will come up at Nedungolam in Kollam, Chalakudy, Payyannur and Ranni taluk hospitals, four others will be set up at the general hospitals in Pala, Aluva, Neyyattinkara and Kalapetta. One each centre will function out of Mavelikkara district hospital and the primary health centre at Agali (Palakkad).
The measure was announced by finance minister Thomas Isaac who set aside Rs 10 crore for modernization of the excise department. He said an increased number of anti-drug campaigns will be held in schools. 'Vimukthi' (Kerala State Mission for De-addiction) was launched in 2016 with the aim for an 'addiction free Kerala' and the project is mainly implemented in the form of statewide awareness campaigns.
The minister announced the setting up of Prison Development Fund which can be used for welfare schemes of prisoners besides renovation and maintenance of prison buildings. "Currently profit from sale of jail foods is remitted to the state exchequer. Now 50 per cent of such profit will be allocated to the fund," the minister said in his speech. He also allocated Rs 14.50 cr for renovation of prisons.
