THE DE-ADDICTION CAMPAIGN

This year VSSM  has launched the  process of collecting and collating baseline information on demographic, economic, social, infrastructural parameters of the settlements it has been working in. One of the glaring fact that has surfaced is that not many people were found to live beyond 55 years of age. Extreme poverty, wandering lifestyles, harsh living conditions, lack of access to quality health care are some of the reasons responsible for such overwhelming scenario.

Other glaring revelation that needed attention was adults of both gender and children of very young age were found to be severely addicted to vices like alcohol, bidi smoking, tobacco chewing, gutka, applying tobacco based powder called chikni etc.  The habits of consuming these products is so rampant and compelling that they spend substantial amount of their meager earnings on it. There have been instances when they would not spend Rs. 20 to contribute towards processing charges for acquiring certain basic documents of their entitlements but  would spend them for buying these vices.

Putting two-and-two together it was felt that addictions along with back breaking labour could be one of the major factors behind the early deaths in these communities.

VSSM tried to tackle the issue by demanding assurance from the community and involving their leaders. It was felt that talk on leaving the habits should come from people they believe in the most. Each of these communities has their own Bhagat/religious leaders. VSSM has been approaching the religious leaders of these communities and briefed them about the issue of addiction. We are requesting them to start talking about the ill effects of these vices and preach the communities to abstain from consuming them.  Quite a few leaders have been receptive to the idea and have begun talking about the concerns during their discourses and events. Organizationally, we are asking for a promise of de-addiction when they welcome us in their settlements, a commitment to abstain from any such habits is the fee we will be charging for helping them process their citizenry documents. VSSM also assists with clinical support in case there are individuals who are not able to kick off the habit on their own.