Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath Govt Launches Campus-Focused Anti-Drug Strategy For Universities

Lucknow, September 9: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government is launching a campus-focused anti-drug campaign to protect students and instill a drug-free lifestyle in their values, according to Minister Yogendra Upadhyay. The initiative aims to turn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a drug-free India into a mass movement, ensuring that the message of de-addiction permeates students' academic life beyond isolated programs or days.

The comprehensive plan includes administering a drug de-addiction pledge daily in classrooms, weekly lectures on the harmful effects of drugs, and the appointment of nodal officers at university, college, and faculty levels. Universities will also be responsible for monitoring hostels, conducting surprise inspections, and preventing the use of intoxicating substances at the initial stage.

In addition to administrative monitoring, the government intends to present drug de-addiction as a public awareness campaign, engaging students through creative activities such as essay competitions, story-telling, painting, poster-making, and even dramatic presentations. Short padayatras (marches) will also take place to convey the message on campus.

The Higher Education Minister emphasized that the campaign should become a value, not just a punitive measure. By integrating the drug de-addiction message into students' daily lives and behavior through continuous pledges, lectures, discussions, and creative activities, the Yogi government aims to lay a foundation for healthy, responsible, and nation-building youth.