Want to save even the last person falling victim to drug abuse: Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminate drug abuse from the state, emphasizing the need for both government action and public involvement.

Speaking at a high-level meeting held to discuss strategies for curbing drug use, the CM stressed that addressing this growing issue requires collective efforts from all sectors of society.

Vijayan highlighted the alarming rise in drug use and violent behaviours among children, describing it as a serious societal threat. "To eliminate drug abuse, both administrative measures and social intervention are necessary. This meeting is aimed at formulating effective strategies to achieve that goal," he said.

He also noted the importance of input from various sectors, encouraging representatives from different fields to contribute fresh ideas and solutions. "In today's world, teachers should address psychological issues that prevail among students. Special training will be required to equip them for this task. While it may not be possible to completely reverse the social and domestic challenges that contribute to this crisis, the meeting provides a platform to explore solutions," Vijayan added.

The CM further appealed to parents to understand their children better, urging them to allow their children to engage with peers rather than keeping them confined at home.

Addressing the challenges faced by youth, Vijayan pointed out the global nature of the drug menace. Citing United Nations data, he noted that the number of drug users worldwide, which stood at 240 million a decade ago, surged to 296 million by 2021.

"Drug use among children is a growing international concern, and drug trafficking is a worldwide problem. However, we cannot afford to remain passive, assuming that nothing can be done," he stated. "Our mission should be to save even the last person from falling victim to the devastation of drug abuse," he asserted.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would launch a large-scale anti-drug campaign aimed at combating the growing drug crisis through a coordinated effort involving all sections of society.

Sunday's meeting was attended by subject experts, leaders of youth and student organizations, representatives from the film, cultural, and media industries, as well as teachers' associations and the Parent Teachers Association.