Campaign against drug abuse launched at Ambedkar University

NEW DELHI: The Social Welfare Department of Delhi government on Wednesday launched 'Khwaishen Udaan Ki', an anti-drug abuse program at Ambedkar University.

With the program, the government will aim to reach out to over 10,000 students on the effects and implications of drugs and substance abuse, said Delhi Social Welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautam at the launch.

According to government officials, the launch of the program has been successful and many students have joined. The program will feature seminars, street plays and competitions.

As part of the campaign, the Delhi government proposes to conduct around 1,200 street plays against drug use and has signed 12 drama clubs of various colleges. In these plays, the government would ensure a social message and use them as a platform to inform about various support programmes.

The Department has asked all colleges to make sure that all students attend these plays. Officials said that the response received from colleges across the city was very good.

"Drug use is a major problem among the children in Delhi. We will take strong action against this menace and plan it accordingly," Gautam said at the program.

Gautam asserted that after starting the campaign in colleges, the department will also organise them in schools and residential colonies.

The minister added that in various small colonies of Delhi drug abuse was a problem. He also noted that even schools in Delhi are facing the problem of drug abuse by students.

Popular radio jockey Sukriti was present at the launch and headed a panel discussion on drug abuse. The panel comprised psychiatrists, recovered drug addicts and people from NGOs, and discussed various facets of drug abuse and how to get rid of the tendencies.

The students present at the launch interacted with the panel and asked several questions. The officials informed that participation of the students was very encouraging.