Health and Family Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil administered an oath against drug abuse and illegal trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The event witnessed active participation from 96 NSS, NCC, and Scouts & Guides of Govt. Degree College Kotshhera, students from Govt. Degree College Sanjauli and Himachal Pradesh University, Secretariat officials, Gyan Vigyan Samiti members, and various stakeholders from the Social Justice Department.
Dr. Shandil urged the youth, women, and citizens of Himachal Pradesh to unite against drug addiction, highlighting the campaign’s role in promoting awareness and rehabilitation. He emphasized that a drug-free society is key to a prosperous future, particularly for the youth.
He noted that over 5.75 lakh people were sensitized last year through outreach in villages and educational institutions. The state government has also passed two stringent anti-drug bills that include severe penalties, including the death penalty, life imprisonment, and property seizure. The Himachal Pradesh Police has confiscated ₹42 crore worth of illegal assets and detained 44 high-profile drug traffickers under the PIT NDPS Act.
Additional initiatives include the creation of a Special Task Force, notification of 13 anti-drug police stations, and a new 100-bed de-addiction centre in Sirmaur with an approved budget of ₹5.34 crore. The Directorate of ESOMSA is collaborating with NITI Aayog, AIIMS Delhi, and PGI Chandigarh to develop a comprehensive State Action Plan.
Currently, the state operates four de-addiction centres for men and one for women, along with 108 ‘Disha’ youth counseling centres in health institutions. ASHA workers and mental health professionals are being trained to provide holistic support.
The nationwide pledge campaign is active from August 1 to 31, 2025, encouraging mass participation through educational activities, street plays, marathons, and online pledge certificates via QR code scanning.
Director ESOMSA Sumit Khimta, Additional Director Dr. Bhawana, and senior officials also attended the event.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
