As per the provision of the Act, the Narcotic Control Board meets at least thrice a year to provide policy directions on the activities and programs related to the control of drug abuse in the country. Following are the Executive Summary of the NCB meeting starting from 2006 to 2010.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of theFirst NCB Meeting, 15th June 2006:
1.1 Drug Regulatory Authority was directed to function as interim secetariat.
1.2 Vice Chairman of the NCB was appointed.
1.3 Endorsed the need to carry out a baseline survey of drug abuse situation.
1.4 Discussed need for appointment of key staff of BNCA.
1.5 The Chairman instructed the secretariat to take up with Ministry of Finance on the budget procision for the establishment of BNCA office.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Second NCB Meeting, 7th August 2006:
2.1 Staffing of BNCA is to be appointed by RCSC and the Board is not to interfere in it.
2.2 Endorsement of replacement of NCB member in place of Aum Siok Sian Pek.
2.3 Endorsement of remuneration of NCB members.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Third NCB Meeting, 11th October 2006:
3.1 Executive Director appointed & secretariat established.
3.2 Sitting fees for members to be submitted to Government for approval.
3.3 Rules and Regulations need to be made simpler & for this was invitation of a consultant.
3.4 BNCA to prepare for the visit of INCB & explore on areas of assistance needed from INCB.
3.5 The Biennial Questionnaires to be sent out to be filled by the stakeholders & questions requiring cross-sectoral input to be worked out together.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Fourth NCB Meeting, 15th February 2007:
4.1 Endorsement of study tours for expopsure &enhancement of professional knowledge to neighboring countries.
4.2 Approval & endorsement of INCB & UNODC mission - visit to Bhutan.
4.3 Endorsed the proposal for the workshop during the visit of the INCB delegations & directed BNCA that other stakeholders be included in the workshop.
4.4 The Board endorsed BNCA to be the focal agency for Project H-13.
4.5 Endorsed the proposal on establishment of Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation centre programme.
4.6 Endorsement of the 10th Five Year Plan and Budget for 2007-2008.
4.7 Refinement of Drug Abuse Report.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Fifth NCB Meeting, 1st June 2007:
5.1 Approval & endorsement of the Drug Status Report and directed BNCA to write to the chief of police & request for strengthening of drug enforcement unit.
5.2 Implementation of Project H-60 & H-13 were endorsed & approved.
5.3 Endorsement of establishment of National Training Centre for Drug Enforcement officials.
5.4 Endorsement of laboratory for drug testing.
5.5 Endorsement of detoxification & treatment centre at Gidagom.
5.6 Approval for periodic inspection of bars & discotheques.
5.7 Approved the observation of the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking on June 26th. 17666102
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Sixth NCB Meeting, 13th December 2007:
6.1 Endorsement & approval of Implementation framework for NDPSSA Act. 2005 and hiring of consultant for final editing.
6.2 Endorsement & approval of Rules & Regulations of NDPSSA Act. 2005 and hiring of consultant for final editing.
6.3 Direction on establishment of Drop-in-Centre (DIC) in Phuentsholing.
6.4 Approved the recruitment of two peer counselors under UNODC to be attached to the Psychiatric ward, JDWNRH hospital.
6.5 Approved recruitment of an expert programmer on Drugs & HIV Treatment from UNODC to be attached with BNCA for a period of one year.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Seventh NCB Meeting, 28th March 2007:
7.1 Similar to the services provoded by REWA earlier was agreed to be revived and re-established. Therefore, YDF & BNCA were directed to prepare comprehensive proposal and action plan on rehabilitation & treatment program.
7.2 The board directed BNCA & MoH to probe into the issue related to Alcohol and study the viability of the present regulatory mechanism existing in the country. Further, BNCA was also directed to study the nexus between Drug & Alcohol abuse.
7.3 BNCA was directed to review the Annual Report to apprise the new
government.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Eighth NCB Meeting, 20th August 2008:
8.1 BNCA was directed to work on the alcohol control mechanism involving all the stakeholders and indicate concrete enforcement measures along with specific roles of the enforcement agencies.
8.2 YDF & BNCA was directed to clarify on the following issues and resubmit the Recovery Centres for Drugs & Alcohol (RCDA) project proposal for Chairman's approval.
i. The issue of land acquisition and ownership.
ii. Who should bear what cost of the project.
iii. Management Committee.
iv. Staffing and Capacity building, etc.
8.3 The Chairman confirmed that all matters concerning detox and treatment for drug dependents would be fully supported and taken up by the Ministry of Health.
8.4 Project proposal to Thai International Cooperation Agency (TICA) was endorsed.
8.5 Participation in UNODC project XSA/J81 was endorsed and approved.
8.6 BNCA was directed to forward the MoU between RGoB & GoI to Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study and revise on the MoU and take up with Government of India.
8.7 Strengthening of Reduction in Drug Demand as per OD was approved.
8.8 NCB noted the concern regarding the trafficking of drugs from Bangkok through Paro airport and the Chairman directed the RBP & the Dept. of Revenue & Customs to take appropriate action & to report in the next NCB Meeting.
8.9 The Chairman directed the Agency to pursue the strengthening of the Demand & Supply Reduction Division as approved in the OD by the RCSC.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Nineth NCB Meeting, 22nd December 2008:
9.1 The NCB directed the BNCA to prepare a national strategy paper on the control of alcohol abuses. The paper shall clearly and cohesively delineate the roles of the various stakeholders so that the strategies can be efficiently implemented. The Chairman gave BNCA time till the next Board meeting to prepare the paper. The Board also directed Mr. Debashis Mukherjee, UNODC consultant, to take active part in making the alcohol control measure strategy paper.
9.2 The Board directed the BNCA to support DRC to approach GNH commission and request them to explore the possibility of funding from any international agency for the procurement of an x-ray machine at Paro International Airport.
9.3 BNCA was directed to prepare a paper clearly defining the roles of the implemeting and the supervising agencies of the treatment and rehabilitation centre and directed BNCA to sublit the proposal within two months to be forwarded to the CCM by the Chairman.
9.4 The Board endorsed the work plan for UNODC Project H-13 Phase II with the comment that the assistance was very nominal.
9.5 The Board directed the Secretariat to work on developiong Plans of Actions for intervention inline with the recommendations made for the schools and community settings. The Board also directed the BNCA to link the procedures of the NArional Baseline Survey to the findings and recommendations of the Phuentsholing RSRA.
9.6 Endorsed the translation of the Implementation Framework for NDPSSA Act 2005 from English to Dzongkha & approved for printing.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Tenth NCB Meeting, 24th April 2009:
10.1 The Chairman of NCB directed BNCA to work together with MEA, Ministry of Health and Department of Revenue & Customs to come out with a national strategy paper on alcohol abuse prevention program, for submission to CCM.
10.2 The chairman also directed that the policy document must high light the current scenario of the alcohol problems in the society inorder for the Government to address this social menace.
10.3 The Board approved the establishment of the Treatment Assessment Panel (TAB) with the composition of members as proposed. BNCA was also directed to come up with a comprehensive Terms of Reference (TOR) for TAP and submit the same in the next NCB meeting.
10.4 The Board approved to carry out the National Baseline Assessment in order to determine the root cause and gather authentic and qualitative data. The Board also directed to have clear outcome being mentioned in the guideline or the back ground paper.
10.5 The Board endorsed the proposal of signing the MOU with the Government of India.
10.6 BNCA was directed to come up with the roles and function of Drug Intelligence Unit in the next Board Meeting.
10.7 The Board directed BNCA to obtain information on Abuser and Traffickers and the fines levied by the Court.
10.8 The Chairman, NCB directed BNCA to come up with the proposal to improve the efficiency of enforcement agencies and on mode of payment for such information in the next Board meeting.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & Directives of the 11th NCB Meeting, August 7, 2009
11.1 Executive Order to be issued to all stakeholder organizations under the signature of the Chairman NCB, with a copy to the Prime Minister. The letter shall seek the nomination of a competent/focal official from each stakeholder organization to assist BNCA in designing the National Strategy to address prevention of Alcohol Abuse.
11.2 The Board directed BNCA to finalize the National Strategy for Alcohol Abuse Prevention by the end of December, 2009.
11.3 The Board also directed the BNCA to identify a local or an international consultant to carry out the task of reviewing and developing the National Strategy for Alcohol Abuse Prevention.
11.4 The members discussed the vital roles that the Rehab Manager
should be with strong commitment to manage the rehab centre to deliver services with professionalism. Therefore, the board directed BNCA to explore means to train the manager properly and also arrange exposure visits to Rehab Centres in the region.
11.5 The Board directed BNCA to organize a visit for the NCB members to the Rehab Centre on a weekend once everything is put in place. The board also directed BNCA to communicate (through email) all the latest developments at the Rehab Centre to the Hon’ble members of the Board for update.
11.6 Upon enquiry on the time frame of the NBA by the Board, the Secretariat submitted that the NBA report will be ready and presented during the next board meeting.
The Board endorsed the update on the NBA presented by the APO, DRD, BNCA.
11.7 The Board directed that the task of the DIU be entrusted to the Narcotic Drug Law Enforcement Unit (NDLEU), RBP, for the moment and the NDLEU be strengthened and supported with equipment and training program till a new DIU is established. A letter from the Chairman, NCB to the Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs informing the need to prepare for the establishment of DIU in the existing NDLEU, RBP.
11.8 Given the seriousness of the drug trafficking problem in the country, the Board directed the BNCA secretariat to process for the appointment of a Legal officer as a Government prosecutor with the Royal Civil Service Commission under the signature of the Chairman of NCB immediately. Views of the office of the Attorney General should be sought on this matter.
11.9 The Board directed the BNCA to keep the proposal pending and at the same time carryout further study and discussion with the RBP. The new proposal then be presented in the next Board Meeting.
11.10 The Chairman asked Aum Kunzang Choden Roder and Aum Sonam Wangmo for their willingness to extend their services. As per the confirmation of two Aums, the Board thanked them and endorsed the extension of their valued service by another term and apply to Government for formalization.
11.11 The BNCA to include objectives and indicators for each activity proposed in the work plan (BNCA may refer the Ministry of Health’s performance report prepared by the Royal Audit Authority)
11.12 The board also directed BNCA to note the important activities
for which budget is required but not granted and put it up to the Hon’ble Chairman for necessary approval and action.
11.13 The board directed BNCA to write to the Ministry of Finance under the signature of the Chairman, NCB for reconsideration and approval of the budget requested especially for the Narcotic Control Board meetings.
11.14 The Board directed the BNCA to provide all possible help particularly for human resource development and capacity building in setting up drug law enforcement units in the border towns to curb the drug inflow problem.
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & Directives of the 12th NCB Meeting, December 29th 2009
NCB members during the 12th NCB meeting held on 29th December 2009 at Hotel Migmar
12.1 . The Board directed CPO, SRD to submit proposal note from NCB to the Cabinet on NSAHR highlighting the following issues:
i. To include vision and mission statement along with the executive summary of the report. The executive summary should include: the situation analysis, seven steps framework as recommended by the consultant and list issues which require government directives to the BNCA and the stakeholders for effective implementation of NSAHR as a policy framework for the NSAHR implementing agencies.
ii. To bind the NSAHR Report as submitted by the consultant.
12.2. The Board’s directives for Treatment & Rehabilitation services are:
i. To explore with relevant organizations to support treatment and rehabilitation services for women.
ii. To institute services for treatment and detoxification of drug & substances dependents at Regional & District Hospitals by MoH.
iii. BNCA & YDF to accommodate the adult clients for treatment & rehab services besides the youths.
12.3. The Board endorsed the recommendations of the NBA report with the following directives:
i. To draw up strategies by June 2010 to implement the recommendations during the Tenth Five Year Plan.
ii. BNCA to consult stakeholders while drawing up activities.
iii. The time frame for the implementation of each of the activities to be highlighted.
iv. Project proposal to be submitted to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to be funded through Global Funding.
12.4. The Board also pointed out that caution must be exercised to ensure that the NBA Report must:
i. Avoid controversial issues in terms of political and religious aspects
ii. Maintain confidentiality in terms of name of person, place of residence, name of school, etc.
iii. Avoid exaggeration of inferences and stick to facts
- Executive Summary of the Approvals & directions of the Thirteenth NCB Meeting, 7th April 2010:
13.1 Update on National Strategy for Alcohol Harm Reduction(NSAHR)
After extensive discussion on the issues of NSAHR, the Board gave the following directives:
13.1.1 Incorporate key words such as “control on production”, “consumption”, and “import and export” and broaden the mission statement. Further, BNCA was directed to continue to work on the alcohol issue, as per the Lhengye Zhungtshog’s recommendation by consulting various other relevant stakeholders to spell out comprehensively and clearly on the mission. In this matter, BNCA was advised to discuss with Ministry of Health, Department of Revenue and Customs, and Ministry Economic Affairs on various measures of control on the breweries, their production, distribution, marketing and sale. Revise the present paper to be put up to the next Board meeting for further discussions and directives from the Board.
13.1.2 BNCA to prepare a discussion paper on whether alcohol can be considered as the part of the NDPSSA Act.
13.1.3 BNCA to provide justification on whether alcohol could be included in the Schedule V.
13.1.4 On the issue of the ”discontinuation of liquor quota for armed force personnel”, the Board decided that it should be reviewed in a broader context since similar entitlements are also given to the civil servants, Indian military, Embassies and DANTAK officials who are stationed in the country and who enjoy similar privileges.
13.1.5 The above revised issues to be submitted in the next NCB meeting.
13.2 Celebration of “International Day against Illicit Drug Trafficking on 26th June 2010” was presented by Chief Program Officer,Supply Reduction Division:
13.2.1 Board directed that the “International Day against Illicit Drug Trafficking” to be celebrated in Bumthang as proposed by Youth Development Fund.
13.2.2 The proposed advocacy programme and destroying the cannabis plants in Wangdue Dzongkhag was agreed to be left upon the convenience of the Dzongkhag level officials. BNCA to discuss further with Dzongkhag officials.
13.3 Need of Rehabilitation Centre for women were presented by Chief Program Officer, Demand Reduction Division:
13.3.1 NCB agreed to explore further the establishment of rehabilitation for women at the identified area below the present rehabilitation for men.
13.3.2 This will be only an interim measure until a new permanent rehabilitation is established.
13.4 Appraisal on the progress report of the Serbithang Rehabilitation Centre was presented by Rehabilitation Manager
13.4.1 Youth Development Fund to discuss with the BNCA regarding the trainings for the rehabilitation staff under the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) funding.
Directives from NCB to institute a “Review Committee” for treatment and rehabilitation as per section 37,41,57 of the NDPSSA Act 2005
13.4.2 The Board approved to institute a “Review Committee” as proposed.
13.4.3 One member from the Drug Regulatory Authority to be included as the committee member.Dr. Ugyen Dophu will be the chairperson of the Review Committee considering his professional background.
Government approval for establishment of Drop In Centers(DICs) in Samdrup Jongkhar, Monggar, Bumthang, Samtse and Paro
13.4.4 Chief Program Officer, Demand Reduction Division to submit the proposal with supporting statistical data for justifying the new establishment of Drop In Centres (DICs)in the various Dzongkhags.
13.4.5 The Board also directed that the proposal to include information on the present scenario of the DICs and their achievements.
13.4.6 The proposal to be submitted to the Board members for their views and comments by email. After recieving the views from the Board members, the proposal should be further submitted thereafter to the chairman for the approval.
13.5 Appraisal on the 1st meeting of the Competent Authorities between GoI and RGoB
13.5.1 BNCA to host the meeting as proposed
13.5.2 Aum Sangay Zam , Vice Chairperson was unanimously nominated to chair the meeting of the Competent Authorities between GoI & RGoB scheduled in June 2010. 13.5.3 BNCA was directed to propose annual budget provision to the Ministry of Finance in future as the Competent Authorities meeting between GoI & RGoB is an annual feature.
13.5.4 Explore the possibility of re-appropriation from the BNCA’s budget-head and submit it to the Chairman for approval(if necessary) for the meeting on June 2010.
"The future of our nation depends on the worth, capabilities and motivation of today’s youth. Therefore, I will not rest until I have given you the inspiration, knowledge and skills so that you will not only fulfill your own aspirations but be of immense worth to the nation. This is my sacred duty. A strong motivated young Bhutan guarantees a strong bright future.The future is neither unseen nor unknown. It is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today will shape the future of our nation. Our children’s tomorrow has to be created by us today." (-His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan)
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