KATHMANDU, June 30: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has announced that the government will establish a dedicated Narcotics Control Department in the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26.
In his address to the event organized recently by the Main Organizing Committee in the capital to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse, Minister Lekhak made the announcement in direct response to a request made by Bishnu Phuyal, Executive Director of the Federation of Drug Rehabilitation Centres, who had raised the long-standing demand for a specialised department during the program. Minister Lekhak committed that the Department would be formed as a division under the Ministry of Home Affairs starting next fiscal year.
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Expressing his frustration over the government’s inaction, Executive Director Phuyal said, “Although the government has acknowledged the growing impact of drug trafficking and repeatedly promised to include it in the five-year master plan, no meaningful steps have been taken. We have been raising this issue for years. I’m too tired to keep repeating it.”
Responding on the spot, Minister Lekhak pledged to address the demand and move forward with the department’s establishment. Minister Lekhak noted that drug networks have expanded across the country and acknowledged the urgent need for a specialised and empowered institution to tackle the growing crisis. He added that the drug problem has now escalated beyond individual struggles and has become a serious social challenge, contributing to road accidents, suicides, sexual violence, and cybercrime.
During the event, Minister Lekhak awarded Richmond Fellowship Nepal, a rehabilitation centre based in Chobhar Gate, Kathmandu, with the first prize and grant support for its outstanding service. The centre has been in operation for the past 30 years.
Currently, over 300 drug rehabilitation centres are operating across Nepal. This year, the Ministry of Home Affairs invited proposals for grants and awards. Out of 59 proposals received, 23 centres were deemed eligible, and three were selected for awards.
The second and third prizes were awarded to Nirnaya Rehabilitation Centre in Dang and Nava Yatra Rehabilitation Centre in Jhapa, respectively.
