Vimukthi Mission resumes activities: Kerala Kaumudi report prompts renewal of coordinators' contract

THODUPUZHA: The government has renewed the contracts of coordinators working under the Excise Vimukthi Mission. This decision came after Kerala Kaumudi reported that the absence of coordinators had caused the mission's work to come to a halt. These coordinators are hired on a contract basis, and their contracts had expired on February 7. Despite two recommendations from the Excise Department, no action was taken for over two months.

The issue was highlighted by Kerala Kaumudi on February 8. On the same day, the Tax Department Joint Secretary, M.V. Pramod, issued an order to extend the contracts for one year, starting from February 8. Additionally, the deputation period of the Assistant Excise Commissioner, responsible for managing the Vimukthi Mission at the district level, has also been extended for one year.

The government plans to appoint Vimukthi District Coordinators in 2022. These coordinators must have an MSW or a postgraduate degree in sociology. They will receive an honorarium of Rs. 50,000 per month. Their responsibilities include raising anti-drug awareness in schools, organising various programmes, and helping drug addicts reach de-addiction centres.