Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Call to mobilise youth against drugs

Thiruvananthapuram: Devaswom Minister Kadannapally Ramachandran has stressed the need to fortify young minds against drug abuse and addiction to liquor, the two evils threatening family relations and the social fabric of the state.

Speaking after inaugurating the Narcotics free Schools scheme launched by the District Panchayat in association with the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC)- India and the Department of Information and Public Relations here on Wednesday, he said substance abuse and alcoholism were responsible for the high rate of suicides, homicides, mental health problems, road accidents and domestic violence in the state. “Encouraging young minds to give up alcohol and drugs is more effective than a ban”.

The scheme envisages the constitution of vigilance committees to prevent the sale and consumption of liquor, drugs and tobacco- based products within a 400 metre radius of educational institutions. The campaign will be implemented through school health clubs. It also includes a pre and post campaign survey covering 14500 students to assess the extent of exposure to drugs, tobacco and liquor.

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