Kerala Minister launches statewide anti-drug campaign in colleges, to cover schools next

Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev has announced a comprehensive programme to free campuses across the state from drug abuse. Initially launched in colleges, the initiative will soon be extended to schools. The campaign will cover all educational institutions, including government, aided, and private colleges, as well as medical, engineering, and nursing colleges.

Ernakulam District Collector N S K Umesh, Deputy Police Commissioner Aswathy Gigi, and Excise Deputy Commissioner T N Sudheer said the excise and police departments will work closely with educational authorities to implement the programme effectively.

From August 1 to 15, colleges will host various activities under the banner ‘Drugs-Free Campus.' Drug users will be treated as victims and offered counselling and treatment. Approximately 1,000 counselling teams, including clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, will be assigned for this purpose. In addition, ‘protection groups’ will be formed in each college with support from excise-led Nerkoottam committees. These groups will include principals, teachers, parents, and officials, and will be connected via WhatsApp groups. They will begin operating in all 48 colleges in Ernakulam by July 31.

The programme also includes:

• Police and excise presence 30 minutes before and after class hours near campuses
• Regular inspections of hostels and student accommodations
• Awareness sessions for newly admitted students and teachers
• Active involvement of NCC, NSS, and NGOs
• A special award from the District Collector for the best-performing college in the campaign

The initiative also aims to reduce the availability of addictive substances and encourage community participation in creating safe, drug-free learning environments.