Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today said that the anti-drug campaign initiated by him in the State would now be adopted at the national level. Addressing a press interaction at Raj Bhavan, he said that a high-level committee led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently visited the Raj Bhavan to study the "Nasha Mukt Himachal" model. After reviewing its success, the Ministry has decided to replicate the model across the country.
As a first step, the Ministry organized a national youth spiritual retreat titled “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” on July 20 in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh, in which the Governor participated in the concluding session.
Expressing deep concern over the rising menace of substance abuse in the State, the Governor emphasized the urgent need for the Himachal Pradesh Government to establish a new state-of-the-art de-addiction and rehabilitation centre. He reiterated that his campaign was inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and is rooted in community participation.
The Governor elaborated on how the Nasha Mukt Himachal campaign has been implemented in every district, with the active involvement of students, Mahila Mandals, and Panchayati Raj Institutions. Mass awareness rallies have been organized across the state to drive home the message. He mentioned that in several panchayats, residents have taken a collective decision to withhold benefits and facilities from individuals indulging in substance abuse.
To strengthen the impact of the campaign, the Governor has also directed that students entering universities and colleges must submit an affidavit pledging not to consume drug. Furthermore, themes of local fairs and festivals are now centered on drug-free messaging to spread awareness across society.
He said that sports competitions under the “Nasha Mukt Himachal” theme have also been conducted in collaboration with NCC, NSS, and local youth clubs. Efforts are being made to rope in more organizations and individuals to expand the campaign’s reach.
Shri Shukla also revealed that he has written to all MLAs of Himachal Pradesh, requesting them to take proactive steps in their constituencies to support and promote the campaign.
"This is not just a campaign, but a mission to protect our future generations and preserve the social fabric of our communities," the Governor said.