Drug menace fight India's collective battle: Maha CM
Mumbai, July 30
Emphasising the effective implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat', Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday called upon every citizen to make a collective resolve to build a 'Drug-Free Mumbai', 'Drug-Free Maharashtra', and 'Drug-Free India'.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister stressed that the battle against narcotics was not merely a law-and-order issue, but a critical effort tied directly to the nation's future. He was speaking after launching the 'Drug-Free Mumbai' initiative.
Highlighting India's rapid strides in science, technology, artificial intelligence, space research and defence, CM Fadnavis cautioned that a sinister conspiracy was underway to weaken the country from within by trapping its youth in drug addiction. Describing drugs as the most dangerous weapon in this covert warfare, he urged every citizen to take ownership of this fight.
"To create a drug-free society, the police, healthcare system, social justice department, school education department, parents, teachers, students and all sections of society must work in close coordination. Strict action will be taken against those involved in the manufacturing, smuggling and sale of illicit drugs. Syndicates operating near schools and colleges will be completely eradicated," he said.
He further noted that if students made a resolute decision to say "No to Drugs," no force could drag them into addiction. The state government is committed to achieving a 'Drug-Free Mumbai' over the next two to four years, he added, urging students to act as the "eyes and ears of society" by reporting instances of substance abuse and drug trafficking.
Official communications will be sent to principals and headmasters of all schools and colleges across the state to ensure full government support for implementing the 'Drug-Free Campus' and 'Drug-Free School' initiatives.
The Chief Minister also announced that the identity of informants reporting drug-related activities would be kept strictly confidential, and individuals providing actionable intelligence would be rewarded.
Reiterating the government's commitment to rehabilitating addicted youth and integrating them back into the mainstream, CM Fadnavis pointed out that if young people stayed clear of drugs until the age of 21 or 22, the likelihood of them remaining drug-free for life increased significantly. He appealed to the youth not to succumb to temptations and to firmly reject drug use.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that youth energy should serve as a life-giving force for nation-building rather than a destructive one. Invoking the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bharat Ratna B. R. Ambedkar, he administered the drug-free oath to the gathering, calling on everyone to translate the pledge into concrete action.
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated that 'Drug-Free Mumbai' was not just a government campaign, but a widespread public movement driven by active community participation. He assured that the drive would continue relentlessly until Mumbai was completely drug-free and appealed to every citizen to take part as a social responsibility.
To thwart attempts to snare the youth into drug dependency, Minister Lodha emphasised the need for active societal involvement alongside government measures. Awareness programs, counselling sessions, and addiction prevention initiatives will be rolled out across schools, colleges, and educational institutes.
He added that both the Central and state governments were implementing various initiatives for the holistic development of youth.
Announcing a new initiative, he shared that the 'CM Mahadhan' Skill Development Scheme will be launched on August 15. In its first phase, the scheme will provide skill training, self-employment guidance and necessary assistance to 100,000 young men and women.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a parent of two teenagers in Mumbai, this gives me some hope. The stats on addiction among college students are terrifying. But I wish they'd also focus on mental health - many kids turn to drugs because of pressure and depression. Rehabilitation and counseling should be a bigger part of this plan. Still, better late than never. 👍
Interesting to see India's approach to this global issue. The emphasis on youth as informants and the 'eyes and ears' concept is quite unique. However, I wonder about privacy concerns and potential misuse of the reporting system. In the US, such programs have had mixed results. Hope India can avoid the pitfalls while achieving its goals.
Finally, a CM who takes this seriously! I've seen firsthand how drug syndicates operate near colleges in Pune. They target vulnerable kids and ruin families. The 'Drug-Free Campus' initiative is exactly what we need. But strict action must also be taken against big players - not just small-time dealers. And the rehabilitation part can't be an afterthought. Abhi toh sach mein kuch karna padega! 💪
While I support the intent, I'm a bit skeptical. Big speeches are common, but ground reality is different. The police need to be trained and motivated, and there should be no political interference when raids happen in influential areas. Also, rewarding informants is good, but what about protecting them? Many won't come forward fearing retaliation. Let's see concrete results, not just promises. 🤔
R Rohit P The 'CM Mahad We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.