Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, at a program organized to mark the completion of five years of the Drug Free India Campaign, appealed to the youth to firmly say “no” to drugs themselves and inspire their peers to do the same.
Addressing the state-level program marking the 5th anniversary of the Drug Free India Campaign, held at the Chief Servant House in the Chief Minister’s Camp Office on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the campaign on completing five years and said that with the support of the brave workers playing a leading role in the fight against drug addiction, society is now able to combat the serious problem of drug addiction. He said that drug addiction is not just a bad habit, but a terrible challenge that weakens society from within. This pernicious tendency destroys a person’s consciousness, conscience, and decision-making ability, leading to the destruction of their entire future.
The Chief Minister said that today, the spread of drug addiction is global. A “silent war” is being waged at every level, with our youth as its biggest target. He stated that our young generation is the true foundation of New India’s energy, innovation, strength, and progress. If this energy is entangled in any negative influence, the nation’s development will be hampered. That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Independence Day in 2020, launched the “Drug-Free India” campaign, calling on the entire country to unite against this social evil and transforming it into a widespread mass movement.
Chief Minister Dhami stated that, inspired by the Prime Minister, the state government is working on a mission mode with full commitment to realize the resolve of a “Drug-Free Uttarakhand” under this massive campaign against drug abuse.
A three-tier Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) was formed in 2022 to combat drug abuse. In the past three years, the force has arrested over 6,000 accused and recovered narcotics worth over ₹200 crore.
He stated that the government To curb the drug menace, reintegrate addicts into the mainstream, and rehabilitate them, the state is making de-addiction centers effective in all districts. Currently, four Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCA) are successfully operating in the state, providing excellent treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation facilities to drug addicts. Additionally, an Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) is being operated in the state with the assistance of AIIMS Rishikesh. Similarly, anti-drug committees have been formed in educational institutions in every district of the state, with conscious students, parents, teachers, and principals as members.
The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand’s proud identity, “Aipan Art,” has also been integrated into this campaign. Today, “Aipan” paintings adorning anti-drug messages adorn educational institutions and public places. “Dagadiya Clubs” have also been established in the state to keep youth away from drugs and channel their energy positively.
Chief Minister Dhami also praised the state’s efforts to promote the art of drug abuse. Appealing to the youth, he urged them to firmly say “no” to drugs and inspire their peers to do the same. He stated that the government is working tirelessly to make Uttarakhand a leading state in the country, with an unwavering resolve. However, this commitment can only be realized if our young generation contributes with all their energy, ability, and determination, staying away from the evils of drug abuse themselves and pledging to keep others away from them.
Chief Minister Dhami administered the pledge of the Drug-Free India Campaign to the youth present and honored the winners of state-level speech and essay competitions held in schools and colleges.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLA Savita Kapoor, Chairman of the Uttarakhand Other Backward Classes Commission, Sanjay Negi, Secretary of Social Welfare, Dr. Sridhar Babu Adyanki, Additional Director General of Police, Dr. V. Murugesan, Director of Social Welfare, Dr. Sandeep Tiwari, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
