Telangana targets drug-free status by 2029, announces 60-day awareness campaign

Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Wednesday called for a statewide movement against drug abuse, setting a target to make the state drug-free by 2029. He urged students and young people to reject drugs and help build a healthier society.

Addressing a Nasha Mukt Bharat awareness programme at Tagore Auditorium, Osmania University, the Governor announced a 60-day anti-drug campaign from November 14 to January 12. The Telangana branch of the Indian Red Cross Society and the university’s National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell organised the event.

Shukla called on educational institutions to conduct rallies, seminars, counselling sessions and exhibitions during the campaign. He also proposed making anti-drug pledges mandatory during admissions to schools and colleges. Through these measures, he said, institutions could strengthen awareness among young people.

Drug-free Telangana campaign to focus on awareness and support

The Governor stressed that people struggling with addiction need medical treatment, counselling and family support rather than social stigma. He emphasised that society must fight drugs, not discriminate against people affected by addiction.

Shukla also highlighted the expanding reach of the Indian Red Cross Society in Telangana. Its membership has exceeded 1.28 lakh, while registrations under the Junior Red Cross and Youth Red Cross have crossed 16 lakh. He urged people to embrace the message, “Say no to drugs and yes to life.”

The Governor expressed confidence that collective efforts could help achieve the drug-free Telangana goal and enable young people to contribute meaningfully to national development. He called for sustained participation from educational institutions, voluntary organisations and communities.

During the programme, Shukla administered an anti-drug pledge and unveiled awareness posters and stickers. He also inaugurated a blood donation camp and flagged off a rally involving students, NSS volunteers and Red Cross members at Osmania University.

Special Chief Secretary to the Governor M. Dana Kishore, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kumar Molugaram and other officials attended the event. Meanwhile, similar anti-drug awareness activities took place across all 33 districts of Telangana.