Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign concludes in State

Year-round drive likely for drug-free Jharkhand

PNS

Ranchi

The Jharkhand government on Thursday concluded its 15-day statewide anti-drug awareness campaign with a closing ceremony at Shaurya Auditorium in Doranda, reiterating its commitment to building a drug-free and healthy state. The programme was jointly organised by the Home, Prison and Disaster Management Department and the Women, Child Development and Social Security Department.

Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari said substance abuse destroys not only individuals but also families and society. He said Chief Minister Hemant Soren has resolved to make Jharkhand drug-free and that all government departments are working in coordination to achieve the goal.

“The government’s vision is a drug-free, healthy and youth-centric Jharkhand. Young people are the future of the state and the country, and protecting them from addiction is our collective responsibility,” he said.

Dr Ansari said the awareness campaign has been conducted for the past three years and expressed hope that it would become a year-round initiative. He also administered an anti-drug pledge to those present, urging people, especially the youth, to stay away from narcotics and substance abuse.

Calling drug addiction a global challenge, the minister stressed the need for innovative awareness initiatives, greater participation of youth in sports and constructive activities, and stronger public involvement. He expressed concern over the increasing number of young people seeking treatment at RINPAS and CIP and urged police to crack down on the abuse of cough syrups and solvents in public places.

Ranchi Mayor Roshni Khalkho appealed for collective efforts to make Jharkhand not only healthy and safe but also free from substance abuse.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Ajay Kumar advocated regular awareness programmes in schools and colleges, closer monitoring of vulnerable children, stronger counselling services for addicted youth, and greater use of toll-free helplines to report drug trafficking.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Vandana Dadel credited the campaign’s success to coordinated efforts by various departments and praised the Information and Public Relations Department for its outreach. She said anti-drug awareness activities should continue throughout the year, with a special focus on young people.

Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Rahul Purwar said the new University Act prohibits drug-related activities within 100 metres of educational institutions. He also proposed regular awareness drives, anti-drug modules in educational institutions and strengthened counselling systems.

During the programme, Dr Ansari released an anti-drug awareness booklet prepared by the Information and Public Relations Department and honoured officials, healthcare professionals, educators, social workers and voluntary organisations for their contribution to the campaign. Sanoj Kumar Chaudhary was also felicitated for carrying out Jharkhand’s first financial seizure action in connection with anti-drug enforcement.