Guwahati, 19 August (HS): The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Guwahati, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, concluded a two-day Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme (ICOP) at West Goalpara College in Assam's Goalpara district on Wednesday. The programme focused on Census 2027 and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Kripa Shankar Yadav, Additional Director General, North East Zone, attended the inaugural programme as the Chief Guest on August 18. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the importance of creating widespread public awareness about Census 2027 and called for collective efforts to build a healthy and drug-free society.

Dr. Rofiqul Islam, Senior Medical and Health Officer (Psychiatry), spoke about the harmful effects of drug abuse and its impact on individuals, families and society. He underlined the importance of awareness, prevention and timely intervention in tackling substance abuse.

Officials from the District Social Welfare Department, Census Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Panchayat and Rural Development Department and Child Development Project Office (CDPO) participated as resource persons. They interacted with participants and shared information on Census 2027, government welfare schemes, drug-abuse prevention, public health and other related issues.

An exhibition on Census 2027 and Nasha Mukt Bharat was also organised, featuring informative materials, posters and visual displays. A free health check-up camp was conducted in association with the Goalpara District Health Department, providing medical consultation and basic health services to members of the public. The BIS also set up an awareness stall on standards, quality and consumer-related issues.

As part of the outreach activities, a registered cultural troupe presented music, drama and traditional performances based on the two themes. The performances conveyed social messages in an engaging and accessible manner.

The two-day ICOP aimed to disseminate information on key government initiatives, encourage public participation and strengthen awareness among people on Census 2027, drug-abuse prevention and public welfare.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash