Guwahati, Nov 19: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday called for forming and strengthening institutional and departmental drug-free committees in academic institutions.
Chairing a virtual meeting with the vice-chancellors (VCs) of state and central universities of Assam and other heads of higher educational institutions at Raj Bhavan, Acharya underlined the need to take anti-drug awareness and prevention activities to a higher level and forge institutional collaboration
Notably, the virtual meeting was a sequel of initiatives undertaken by Raj Bhavan here for full-scale implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
During the video conference, the Governor reiterated the need for enhanced efforts from educational institutions for a Nasha Mukt Bharat, which he said holds the key for safeguarding the health, securing the future, and building character of students.
He said the central government had launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in 2020, which has since evolved into a nationwide jan andolan (mass movement), drawing participation from lakhs of students, teachers, voluntary groups and social workers.
Citing Assam’s unique challenges and responsibilities, the Governor noted that while the state is rich in cultural heritage and youth potential, its geographical proximity to drug-trafficking routes particularly those linked to the Golden Triangle has made it vulnerable.
Acharya commended the dedicated efforts of police forces, healthcare workers and social organisations for putting a deterrence on the trade of contraband drugs.
He, however, reiterated that the lasting solution lies in the collective strength of educational institutions and their pro-activeness to deal with the menace of use of contraband substances.
The Governor asked the VCs to adhere to the protocol of ensuring a drug-free pledge at admission. He also asked them to form institutional and departmental drug-free committees, conduct regular awareness activities, strengthen hostel monitoring, and provide sensible counselling.
