Delhi government plans to launch campaign against drug abuse

Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Inderraj Singh said that on the occasion of ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on June 26, the Delhi government will launch a massive campaign through awareness campaigns, street plays and participation of students. Singh said in an official statement that the campaign will be run jointly by the Social Welfare, Police and Education departments with a focus on reaching out to the marginalised and vulnerable communities. Addressing a review meeting with senior officials, the minister said that coordinated efforts are necessary to realise the goal of “drug free, healthy and empowered Delhi”. Under the campaign, 64 sensitive locations in the national capital will be identified to organise street plays to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse, the statement said. Singh also stressed on the need to engage students at the school level through poster exhibitions, motivational talks and other interactive activities. He said, “Drug addiction affects not only individuals but the entire family physically, mentally and financially.” He said that youth play a big role in the awareness campaign. He urged that the message should be strongly conveyed to the people by showing ‘radio jingles’ in public places and videos in cinema halls. The statement said that students of National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) will also be involved in campaigns and other activities. District level social welfare teams have been directed to work closely with local MLAs and District Magistrates so that the campaign is effective and widely accessible. The minister said, “This is not just a campaign. It is a social movement. We need active participation of schools, civil society and social organizations to bring about lasting change.