Aadhaar – J&K Makes Identity Verification Mandatory for Drug De-Addiction Registry
Aadhaar – based identity verification, transparent healthcare system, psychotropic medicine monitoring – The Jammu and Kashmir administration has introduced Aadhaar authentication as a compulsory step for people enrolling on the Drug De-addiction Registry Portal (DDRP). The move comes during the government’s ongoing 100-day campaign against drug abuse and is intended to improve oversight of treatment services while strengthening the regulation of psychotropic medicines. Individuals seeking counselling, rehabilitation, prescribed medication, or other de-addiction support through the portal must now verify their identity using Aadhaar or provide valid proof of Aadhaar enrolment.
Aadhaar Verification Introduced for Better Monitoring
The Health and Medical Education Department announced the decision through an official notification, stating that Aadhaar verification will help improve transparency and accountability in the delivery of de-addiction services. Authorities believe that linking beneficiaries to verified identities will make it easier to monitor the use of controlled medicines, reduce misuse, and ensure that government-supported rehabilitation facilities are accessed by eligible individuals. The measure is also expected to strengthen record management and improve the effectiveness of anti-drug initiatives across the Union Territory.
National Conference MP Distances Himself from Protest
Meanwhile, political differences within the National Conference surfaced ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Party MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has confirmed that he will not participate in the National Conference’s planned protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, where the party intends to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Ruhullah maintained that the party should continue prioritising the issue of Article 370, arguing that it remains closely connected to the region’s identity and dignity. According to him, voters had placed their trust in the party with expectations related to Article 370 rather than the demand for statehood. He also alleged that the discussion on statehood aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s political narrative and could contribute to accepting the present constitutional arrangement. Despite his decision to stay away from the demonstration, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah has indicated that the protest programme will proceed without any changes.
Amarnath Yatra Records Strong Pilgrim Turnout
The annual Amarnath Yatra has continued to attract a large number of devotees since it began on July 3. Pilgrims are travelling through both the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route to reach the sacred cave shrine, located at an altitude of about 3,880 metres in the Himalayas of south Kashmir.
During the first 12 days of the pilgrimage, more than three lakh devotees completed the darshan at the holy shrine, reflecting strong participation from across the country. Officials have implemented extensive security measures throughout the pilgrimage period to ensure the safety of visitors.
Security Measures Remain a Key Focus
Security agencies have deployed comprehensive arrangements along the pilgrimage routes. Registered pilgrims travelling from Jammu are being escorted in protected vehicle convoys up to the designated base camps. Authorities have also declared both pilgrimage routes as No Flying Zones to minimise potential security risks during the yatra.
In addition, every registered pilgrim has been issued a personalised RFID card, allowing officials to monitor movement and improve emergency response capabilities when required. The combination of enhanced surveillance, strict access controls, and modern tracking systems is aimed at ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of one of the country’s most significant annual religious pilgrimages.