Bhubaneswar: In a bid to combat rising drug abuse among youth, the Odisha government has directed all colleges under the Higher Education Department to initiate awareness campaigns aimed at making campuses drug-free zones.
In a letter issued today, the department instructed principals of all government and aided non-government colleges across the state to take proactive steps in sensitizing students and the wider community on the dangers of drug and narcotic substance abuse.
As part of the initiative, colleges have been asked to publicize the MANAS portal, launched by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The portal provides a platform for students and citizens to report drug-related incidents via the 1933 helpline number or the ‘Umang’ mobile app.
In addition, colleges have been encouraged to organize awareness drives through NSS volunteers, urging students and the public to take the anti-drug e-pledge on the MyGov platform. The department has also emphasized conducting sensitization programmes, rallies, and creative competitions such as debates, essay writing, and painting to engage students in meaningful dialogue on the issue.
“The growing menace of drug and narcotic substance abuse among youth has emerged as a serious threat to the wellbeing of individuals and the harmony of our society. Educational institutions, being the fundamental spaces for shaping the future of our nation, have a pivotal role to play in fostering a healthy, safe and drug-free environment,” the department stated in the letter.
