Bhopal, Aug 2 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday described substance abuse as the root cause of social ruin and said his government had enforced prohibition in 19 religious towns across the state as part of its fight against addiction.
Addressing a programme here after Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, Yadav said a drug-free nation was the first prerequisite for a developed India, and addiction-free youth formed the foundation of the country’s progress.
He said the state government had strengthened coordination with neighbouring states to curb the illegal trade and trafficking of narcotics.
Yadav said awareness campaigns against substance abuse were being carried out across villages, localities and urban neighbourhoods, while strict action was being taken against those involved in the illicit trade.
“We have enforced prohibition within the limits of civic bodies and panchayats in 19 religious towns of the state. Liquor shops have been removed. Shops selling tobacco products along roadsides are also gradually declining,” he said.
The chief minister urged young people to stay away from all forms of addiction, saying drug abuse was the root cause of social ruin. He said the MP government was also providing rehabilitation opportunities to those affected by substance abuse.
He appealed to youth, social organisations, teachers, principals, religious leaders, doctors, district administrations, police and volunteers to turn the anti-drug campaign into a mass movement.
Launching the nationwide campaign earlier in the day, PM Modi asked the country’s youth to take a pledge against substance abuse, saying drugs can give them a “high” for some time, but would make their entire career and personal life “low”. PTI LAL NR
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