India’s Home Minister Amit Shah issued a stark reminder on Sunday: battling narcotics demands perpetual vigilance from every citizen. At a high-profile event in the capital, he positioned awareness as the ultimate weapon against this scourge.
“Continuous awareness alone can shield us from drugs,” Shah asserted, critiquing lax attitudes that allow peddlers to thrive. He detailed the Modi government’s multifaceted strategy, from border surveillance to rehabilitation centers.
Key highlights included a Rs 500 crore allocation for youth-focused campaigns and tech-driven monitoring apps. Shah shared alarming stats: over 70,000 drug-related deaths annually, mostly among those under 30.
Drawing from global examples like Portugal’s decriminalization model adapted for India, he advocated community policing and school curriculums embedding anti-drug modules. “Parents, teachers, leaders – all must act now,” he implored.
Recent busts in Punjab and Northeast underscore progress, yet Shah cautioned against complacency. With opium and methamphetamines flooding markets, inter-agency coordination is ramping up.
Stakeholders from across sectors pledged support, marking a pivotal shift towards proactive defense. As campaigns roll out nationwide, Shah’s vision promises a safer, healthier India.