Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its efforts to make the state completely drug-free through a combination of enforcement drives, awareness campaigns, and youth engagement initiatives, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed the State Assembly on Saturday.
Responding to a question from Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Minister Harichandan stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has announced a nationwide youth convention to be held on September 21, 2025, under the campaign “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat.” In line with this, all district excise offices in Odisha have been instructed to take necessary actions to ensure effective participation and awareness.
The minister also stated that despite no financial assistance received so far from the Central Government under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat” initiative, the state has been actively pursuing measures to curb the circulation of adulterated liquor, toxic alcohol, drugs, and psychotropic substances.
“We are committed to safeguarding public life and property by preventing the spread of harmful substances and increasing public awareness about their detrimental effects,” said Minister Harichandan.
A public awareness campaign titled “Ama Sankalpa, Nisha Nuhe Jibana” was launched on May 31, 2025, coinciding with World No Tobacco Day. The campaign will continue until June 26, 2025, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It aims to educate citizens at every administrative level — from panchayats and blocks to districts and the state — about the dangers of substance abuse.
The campaign involves the active participation of youth, especially students from schools and colleges, women’s self-help groups, voluntary organisations, and media personnel. The second phase of this campaign is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
In addition to awareness efforts, a special enforcement drive targeting the illegal trade of banned liquor and drugs has been launched across the state. The crackdown has been carried out in three phases so far:
- Phase 1 (August 20 – September 13, 2024): 5,508 cases registered, 276,578 ID litres of illicit liquor seized, 3,002 arrests made, and court proceedings initiated.
- Phase 2 (October 10 – October 17, 2024): 2,089 cases registered, 86,005 ID litres seized, 999 arrests made, with court actions underway.
- Phase 3 (May 31 – June 26, 2025): 5,658 cases registered, 234,492 ID litres seized, 2,795 arrests made, and court proceedings initiated.
Minister Harichandan emphasised that the combined strategy of enforcement and public awareness is essential to effectively combat the drug and illicit liquor menace in the state.
