Odisha Govt Launches Anti-Drug Drive Across Colleges

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb the growing menace of drug abuse among youth, the Odisha government has directed all colleges under the Higher Education Department to launch an extensive anti-drug awareness campaign on their campuses.

In an official letter issued to principals of government and non-government aided colleges, the Higher Education Department emphasized the urgent need to make educational institutions drug-free zones. The department urged colleges to widely publicize the MANAS (Mental health and Normalcy Augmentation System) portal launched by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), which allows students and citizens to report drug-related issues through the helpline number 1933 and the UMANG mobile app.

To strengthen the campaign, colleges have been instructed to mobilize NSS volunteers to promote the anti-drug e-pledge on the MyGov platform. Additionally, institutions are expected to organize awareness programmes, rallies, and competitions such as debates, essay writing, and painting events to sensitize students about the dangers of drug use.

“The growing menace of drug and narcotic substance abuse among youth has emerged as a serious threat to individual well-being and social harmony. Educational institutions, being the foundation of our nation’s future, have a pivotal role to play in promoting a healthy and drug-free environment,” the letter stated.

The move is part of the state’s broader initiative to protect students and ensure safe, substance-free educational spaces across Odisha.