Srinagar, Aug 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday attended the launch of the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” at a Union Territory-level function organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with SKUAST-Kashmir. The 100-week nationwide campaign was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said India’s greatest strength lies in its young population, noting that nearly 65 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35, while around 37 crore youth in the 15–29 age group are ready to contribute to nation-building.
He said the campaign aims to inspire young people to adopt healthy lifestyles, stay away from substance abuse and actively participate in the country’s development.
Describing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020, as a social movement rather than just a government programme, Sinha said more than one crore youth are participating in the campaign at nearly 10,000 locations across the country.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the success of the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, conducted from April 11 to July 20, saying it has emerged as a model for the rest of the country. He credited the combined efforts of the administration, police, educational institutions, social organisations, religious leaders and citizens for the campaign’s success.
Highlighting the achievements of the anti-drug drive in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said around 2,300 FIRs have been registered, 2,600 persons arrested, and nearly 1,500 kilograms of narcotics seized. He added that authorities have attached 331 properties worth around ₹200 crore linked to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers, besides cancelling more than 370 driving licences and 750 vehicle registrations, while recommending the cancellation of nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards.
The Lieutenant Governor also announced that the administration will soon launch the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in one district each of the Jammu and Kashmir divisions and focus on medical treatment, counselling, education, skill development, employment and long-term rehabilitation over a three-year period.
Calling upon parents, teachers and youth organisations to play a proactive role in preventing drug abuse, Sinha urged young people to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting awareness and encouraging their peers to lead healthy, disciplined lives.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge to the youth participating in the programme.
The event was attended by SKUAST-Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Commissioner/Secretary Youth Services and Sports Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, MY Bharat J&K Director Nitin Hangloo, senior officials, youth club members, Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers and a large number of students and young participants.
