Rajasthan Guv calls for mass drug awareness campaign
Jaipur, Aug 8
Governor Haribhau Bagde on Saturday called for a large‑scale public awareness campaign against substance abuse, stressing the need to educate young people and their families about its serious social and familial consequences.
"Substance abuse is like a fire whose heat can reach one's own home," he remarked, urging officials to intensify awareness efforts and transform the de‑addiction campaign into a mass movement.
Governor Bagde held a meeting with district‑level officials in Udaipur and conducted a detailed review of various issues, including TB control, de‑addiction and school education. He directed officials to ensure the effective implementation of government schemes and intensify awareness efforts among the general public.
The Governor directed officials to exercise special vigilance in TB control efforts. He stressed the need to conduct surveys among people working in or associated with mining areas and cement factories to identify potential TB patients and ensure timely treatment. He also emphasised focused surveys in the city's informal settlements to facilitate early identification and treatment of suspected cases.
Highlighting the need to transform the de‑addiction campaign into a mass movement, Bagde directed that awareness programmes be organised at the Gram Panchayat level to educate people about the harmful effects of substance abuse. He said individuals who have successfully overcome substance abuse should be honoured and kept in regular contact to help prevent relapse.
The Governor also directed officials to ensure a drug‑free environment in government offices. He said no officer or employee should engage in substance abuse and that government offices should serve as model centres by promoting the message of a drug‑free lifestyle.
During the meeting, Bagde also sought detailed information on the status of school education in the district. He placed special emphasis on strengthening students' intellectual abilities and continuously improving the quality of education.
He said a strong foundation at the primary education level would help develop high‑quality students in higher classes and subsequently at the college level. He directed officials to make effective efforts to strengthen children's foundational understanding, learning abilities and academic performance at the primary level.
The Governor further instructed officials to maintain records of students who have succeeded in various competitive examinations and share their achievements with other students to inspire them. He said the success stories of such students could serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for other children.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Governor's analogy about "fire" is spot on. The impact of substance abuse doesn't stay with the individual - it burns the whole family. But I wish there was more focus on mental health support and counselling services, not just awareness campaigns. Prevention is good, but treatment and rehabilitation are equally important.
As someone who lost a cousin to drug addiction, this hits home. Awareness at Gram Panchayat level is the need of the hour. We need to break the stigma and start having open conversations in our communities. The earlier we start, the more lives we can save. 💔
Good initiative but actions speak louder than words. We've had many such campaigns before - what's the implementation plan? Also, focusing on TB in mining areas is crucial - those workers need proper healthcare access. Hope these meetings translate into actual ground-level changes.
Impressive approach from the Governor. The emphasis on keeping former addicts engaged to prevent relapse shows real understanding of addiction as a chronic condition. The education focus on primary schools is also smart - building strong foundations early can prevent many problems later. 🇮🇳
Every district needs de-addiction centres with proper medical staff. And for TB, regular screening camps near mines and factories will help catch cases early. Let's hope this isn't just paperwork - our villages deserve real action, not just administrative meetings. 🤞
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