Minister calls for eradication of drugs to protect youth, students

S. Savitha, the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, recently called for the eradication of drugs to safeguard the youth and students of the region. The Minister inaugurated a newly-built Police Parade Ground in Penukonda, Sri Sathya Sai district, constructed with funds from the SRR Charitable Trust. The ground was once overrun with thorny bushes and weeds but has transformed into a multi-purpose community space for local students and morning walkers.

At the inauguration of the ground, the Minister spoke at the ‘Operation Trishul - Awareness and Enforcement’ programme, urging the public to join hands in creating a drug-free society. She emphasized that stringent action was being taken against the consumption and sale of drugs, urging individuals to report any drug-related information to the police or dial the toll-free number 1972.

Addressing students, Minister Savitha advised them to avoid vices and excessive mobile phone usage, encouraging them to prioritize education, sports, and discipline. She also highlighted that industrial growth in the region had created new employment opportunities, urging the youth to upgrade their skills to take advantage of these prospects.

District Collector A. Shyam Prasad commended the initiative and announced that more government lands, vulnerable to encroachment, would be developed into playgrounds. Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar further elaborated on Operation Trishul, stating that it was launched in response to the Chief Minister's directives, with a primary focus on building a drug-free society, reducing crimes against women, and improving road safety.