Srinagar, Aug 2 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday attended the launch of the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” at a UT-level function organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and SKUAST-Kashmir. The 100-week nationwide campaign was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said India’s youth are the country’s greatest strength and stressed that the campaign aims to inspire young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and actively contribute to nation-building.
“Our youth must emerge like a cloud of energy and spread across the horizon of development,” he said, adding that a healthy youth, strong families and an aware society are essential for achieving the vision of a developed India.
The LG said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020, has grown into a people’s movement against drug abuse. He noted that more than one crore youth are participating in the new campaign at around 10,000 locations across the country every Sunday, with the support of MY Bharat youth clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, educational institutions and industry organisations.
Praising the success of the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan held from April 11 to July 20, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a model for the rest of the country. He credited the administration, police, educational institutions, religious leaders and civil society for working together against the drug menace.
Highlighting the campaign’s achievements, the Lieutenant Governor said around 2,300 FIRs have been registered, 2,600 persons arrested, and 1,500 kilograms of narcotics seized. He added that 331 properties worth nearly Rs 200 crore linked to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers have been attached. Besides, over 370 driving licences and 750 vehicle registrations have been cancelled, while recommendations have been made for cancellation of nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards of those involved in the drug trade.
The Lieutenant Governor also announced that the government will soon launch the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in one affected district each of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and will focus on treatment, counselling, education, skill development, employment and long-term rehabilitation of drug victims.
Calling upon parents, teachers and youth organisations to play a greater role, Sinha urged them to guide young people through trust, dialogue and encouragement. He also appealed to volunteers of MY Bharat, Nehru Yuva Kendras and youth clubs to take the anti-drug message to every village, school and college.
The Lieutenant Governor administered the Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge to the youth and urged them to stay away from drugs, inspire others and contribute towards building a healthier and stronger society.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Commissioner/Secretary Youth Services and Sports Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Director MY Bharat J&K Nitin Hangloo, senior officials and a large number of youth attended the programme.(KINS)
LG Manoj Sinha launches ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’
