Telangana Governor Calls for Drug-Free State by 2029, Announces 60-Day Campaign
Addressing a drug-awareness programme organised jointly by the Telangana State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) and the NSS Cell of Osmania University at Tagore Auditorium here, the Governor said achieving a drug-free Telangana by 2029 required the active participation of the government, educational institutions, parents and society at large.
Shukla said he had suggested to the State Government that students take a pledge to stay away from drugs at the time of admission to schools and colleges.
He cautioned that substance abuse could destroy young people’s futures and adversely affect their families and society.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India, the Governor said the Union Government had formulated the Vision Document on Drug Control 2026–2029.
He urged all stakeholders to work towards achieving the goal of a drug-free Telangana.
He stressed that people battling addiction should not be humiliated or isolated but provided medical treatment, counselling and family support to help them recover.
During the 60-day campaign, educational institutions have been urged to organise seminars, exhibitions, counselling sessions and rallies to educate students about the harmful effects of drugs.
The Governor called for the awareness drive to reach schools, colleges, villages and households across all 33 districts.
Highlighting the activities of the Indian Red Cross Society in Telangana, Shukla said its membership had crossed 1.28 lakh, while registrations under the Junior Red Cross and Youth Red Cross had exceeded 16 lakh.
Management committee elections had been completed in 32 of the State’s 33 districts, he said.
Special Chief Secretary to the Governor M. Dana Kishore said the Governor had prioritised drug-control initiatives since assuming office in Telangana.
He said IRCS membership had increased from around 40,000 to 1.28 lakh.
The Governor unveiled anti-drug awareness posters and stickers, administered a pledge to students and youth, inaugurated a blood donation camp and flagged off an awareness rally from Tagore Auditorium to the Arts College on the Osmania University campus.
Similar pledge-taking programmes, rallies and poster-launch activities were organised by the IRCS across Telangana.
Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram, Joint Secretary to the Governor Komanduri Shashi Kiran, IRCS Telangana General Secretary Ramulu, faculty members, Red Cross representatives and NSS volunteers attended the programme.
