Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will organise statewide anti-drug awareness programmes on June 26 to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with a focus on mobilising citizens, students, and community institutions under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA).
The initiative aims to strengthen awareness on the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote a drug-free society through coordinated activities across departments and districts.
The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) has directed multiple departments, including Health & Family Welfare, School & Mass Education, Higher Education, Women & Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Excise, Skill Development, and SC & ST Development, to undertake awareness and outreach programmes as part of the observance.
According to officials, educational institutions, local self-government bodies, community organisations, and youth groups will be actively involved in spreading awareness about drug prevention and healthy living. The campaign will focus on both urban and rural outreach to ensure wider public participation.
As part of the observance, pledge drives will be conducted across the state in both online and offline modes. Citizens will be encouraged to take an anti-drug pledge through the official NMBA platform, while institutions have been asked to facilitate mass participation in the initiative.
Schools and colleges have been directed to organise poster-making, slogan-writing, essay competitions, and other creative activities to engage students in discussions on drug abuse prevention and its social impact.
Special emphasis has been placed on youth engagement through the enrolment of volunteers as “Nasha Mukti Mitr,” who will support awareness activities and act as community-level ambassadors for the campaign.
Community-based programmes involving Panchayati Raj Institutions, local leaders, and grassroots organisations will also be conducted to strengthen outreach efforts. In addition, health camps and counselling sessions are planned to provide guidance on prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation related to substance abuse.
Awareness films and educational content highlighting the physical, psychological, and social consequences of drug addiction will be screened in educational and training institutions. A parallel social media campaign using the hashtag #NashaMuktBharat is expected to amplify the message across digital platforms.
Through these coordinated efforts, the state government aims to contribute to the national vision of a drug-free India while fostering a healthier and more productive society.
