Shimla youth pledge to stay drug-free

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil on Wednesday administered an anti-drug oath to youth and students as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in Shimla. The oath was taken by 96 National Service Scheme volunteers, National Cadet Corps members and Scouts and Guides from Government Degree College, Kotshhera; 20 students from Government Degree College, Sanjauli; 13 students from Himachal Pradesh University’s Department of Social Work; and others.

Shandil urged youth, women, officials, employees and the public to remain vigilant about the harmful effects of drugs, actively participate in the campaign, and show collective resolve against substance abuse. “The youth are the future of the state and the country. Unfortunately, drug use is rising, making it essential to guide them in the right direction while strengthening prevention and rehabilitation measures,” he said.

He noted that the Drug-Free India Campaign, launched five years ago, has significantly contributed to awareness-building. In Himachal Pradesh, over 5.75 lakh people have been sensitised under the National Drug Prevention Campaign, with activities conducted in 5,660 villages and 4,332 educational institutions, targeting adolescents, youth, women and the general public.

Shandil also announced that a 100-bed, fully equipped de-addiction centre will be set up at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district, with Rs 5.34 crore already approved for the project.