The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will explore adding yoga, meditation and naturopathy to government drug rehabilitation programmes, after a senior official visited a de-addiction centre in Raiwala, Uttarakhand.
Additional Secretary Mona K. Khandhar visited the Government Drug Rehabilitation Centre, run by the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses, and spoke to residents about their treatment. The centre combines medical care, counselling, a fixed daily routine and wellness activities.
Khandhar said she intends to approach the Ministry of AYUSH about pilot projects. She stressed that such practices would only complement evidence-based medical treatment and counselling, under clinical supervision.
The pilots, she said, would need careful planning, documentation and evaluation of safety and benefits, with doctors, AYUSH practitioners and mental health experts helping to set protocols. Only if the findings are positive, and with the approval of the ministries concerned, could they be extended to other centres.
"Recovery is a gradual process," she said, built through healthier routines, open communication and restored confidence.
Photos
Source: official release by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (29 OCT 2026 5:03PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Additional Secretary, MoSJE Smt Mona K Khandhar Visits Government Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Raiwala, Uttarakhand.
How we verified this
VerifiedEvery fact, figure and quotation is taken from the official PIB release (Release ID 2330087) issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on 29 OCT 2026 5:03PM by PIB Delhi; checked against the source on publication. Story written by BDT from that release; no outside facts added.
Sources
- 1.Additional Secretary, MoSJE Smt Mona K Khandhar Visits Government Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Raiwala, Uttarakhand — Press Information Bureau, Government of India
