Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt has started preparations for a statewide anti-drug awareness campaign on Aug 18 to mark the sixth anniversary of the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA). The state aims to mobilise at least 10% of its population to take a pledge against substance abuse.Chief secretary Anu Garg has directed all departments, district collectors and senior officials to organise the National Pledge Against Drug Abuse in schools, colleges, universities, govt offices, private institutions and urban local bodies to ensure maximum public participation.The campaign is part of a nationwide initiative of the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, which aims to mobilise 10 crore to 12 crore citizens across the country to take a collective pledge against drug abuse and strengthen the vision of a drug-free India.Departments have been asked to appoint nodal officers at the state, district and block levels for coordination and smooth execution of the programme. Students, youth, women, govt employees and the general public will be encouraged to take the e-pledge through the NMBA portal and download participation certificates, according to a letter from the chief secretary to additional chief secretaries, department secretaries and district collectors.Officials have also been asked to ensure virtual participation from the state and district headquarters in the national programme on Aug 18 and use NMBA branding material, including its logo, mascot and national de-addiction helpline number 14446, during the campaign.The state govt expects the drive to significantly expand public awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse while promoting community participation in efforts to build a drug-free society.According to the ministry, NMBA was launched on Aug 15, 2020, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and is now being implemented in all districts of the country, with special focus on youth, women and educational institutions.The ministry said the campaign has so far reached more than 29 crore people, including over 11 crore youth and 7 crore women. More than 1.19 lakh Nasha Mukti Mitras have registered under the programme, while over 9.22 lakh awareness activities have been conducted nationwide.
