Joint Operation by State Mental Health Authority and STF; Statewide Surprise Inspections Planned
Dehradun. Acting on the strict directives of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on unregistered and substandard de-addiction centers operating across the state. The Health Department and Police Administration have joined hands to identify, investigate, and shut down such illegal or non-compliant facilities.
Many of these centers neither meet the prescribed standards nor possess valid registrations. Concerns have repeatedly been raised regarding the quality of care, mental health services, and the rehabilitation processes at these establishments. The state government has now taken a firm stance—either comply with the norms or shut down operations.
To steer this campaign forward, a high-level meeting was convened on Monday, chaired by senior officials of the State Mental Health Authority and STF Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh. A detailed action plan was framed for the identification, inspection, and closure of illegal or non-registered centers.
Going forward, the State Mental Health Authority and district-level inspection teams will be actively supported by the State Task Force (STF). Surprise inspections will be intensified across all districts to ensure swift enforcement.
The Mental Health Authority has been directed to promptly identify and close any de-addiction centers operating without valid registration. Additionally, financial penalties and legal proceedings will be initiated under the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act against such violators.
The meeting saw the participation of Joint Director Dr. S. D. Burman, Assistant Director Dr. Pankaj Singh, and representatives from various allied departments. All present agreed on the need for coordinated and time-bound action.
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar has instructed that all de-addiction centers be brought under strict monitoring. He emphasized that immediate action must be taken against centers failing to meet the minimum standards set by the Central Government. “There will be no compromise on the quality of mental health services,” he asserted. “De-addiction centers should function not merely as shelter homes, but as effective rehabilitation hubs.”
Dr. Kumar reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dhami, the state government is fully committed to freeing Uttarakhand from the grip of drug addiction. An aggressive, inter-departmental strategy is in motion involving the administration, health department, and police. The campaign will go beyond routine inspections, ensuring decisive action in public interest. All malpractices operating under the guise of de-addiction will be firmly brought to an end.
