Agartala, July 01: Khowai district in Tripura has been recognized by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) as the 'Best Performing District' for its exceptional implementation of the Joint Action Plan on "Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and Illicit Trafficking."

The recognition was awarded during a program marking the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking on June 30.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityananda Rai presented the award to Khowai District Magistrate Chandni Chandran. The event was attended by NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanungo, NCPCR member secretary Rupali Banerjee Singh, and Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau Satya Narayan Pradhan.

The Khowai district excelled in various key aspects of the programme, including the installation of CCTV cameras in major medical shops, the implementation of Prabhari Club activities in schools, and the enforcement of the COTPA Act.

In November 2023, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha launched the CHESTA (Child Marriage Elimination Through Sensitization, Tracking, and Awareness) scheme, aimed at preventing child marriage and reintegrating victims back into schools. The scheme has been praised for its comprehensive approach, covering both school-going and out-of-school girls, engaging all stakeholders, and offering incentives for informants.

Given that child marriage is a leading cause of human trafficking in Tripura, the CHESTA scheme significantly contributed to Khowai's achievement of this prestigious recognition.