Mizoram has inaugurated a new de-addiction and rehabilitation facility named the Jordan Centre at Sethawn in the Kolasib district, with State Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii emphasizing the critical need for robust collaboration between religious institutions and the government to effectively combat the region’s escalating drug crisis. Operated under a 15-year memorandum of understanding signed with the state government in March, the facility has been formally entrusted to the Mizoram Synod and was dedicated during a formal ceremony attended by key dignitaries including Minister Lalrinpuii and Mizoram Synod Moderator Rev John Raldosanga. Addressing the gathering, Lalrinpuii highlighted that substance abuse remains an alarming issue across the state, underscoring that churches serve as an indispensable pillar in social rescue efforts alongside ongoing backing from state authorities and voluntary organizations. She stressed that modern counter-narcotics strategies must expand beyond mere supply reduction to heavily emphasize demand mitigation, holistic treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation support. Additionally, the minister issued a stern warning to local pharmacy operators, cautioning that licenses will be summarily revoked if businesses are caught violating statutory sales regulations governing controlled pharmaceuticals. Expressing optimism that the collaborative partnership between the government and the Mizoram Synod will endure well beyond its initial 15-year mandate, Lalrinpuii reiterated the administration’s steadfast commitment to funding and supporting rehabilitation infrastructure. According to Jordan Centre Director Rev Lalrinmawia, the newly opened facility possesses a residential capacity to house between 70 and 80 individuals for intensive de-addiction therapy, while its expansive after-care and skill-training programs can accommodate approximately 150 participants. Operating as both a medical recovery facility and a vocational training hub, the center aims to equip residents with sustainable livelihood skills to facilitate successful societal reintegration. To ensure accessibility for all socio-economic backgrounds, the monthly fee has been moderately fixed at 3,000 rupees, with the Mizoram Synod fully absorbing the financial costs for economically disadvantaged individuals who cannot afford payment. Markedly, this establishment represents the third rescue home successfully managed by the Mizoram Synod, with formal admissions commencing on October 7 and the arrival of the first batch of residents scheduled for October 20, marking a significant milestone in Mizoram’s ongoing public health and social welfare initiatives.
