In a decisive move to protect the younger generation from the adverse impacts of substance abuse, the Odisha Government has announced plans to declare a 500-meter radius around all educational institutions as a strict “No Drug Zone.”
This sweeping initiative, launched under the broader “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” (Drug-Free India Campaign), will cover all schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges, universities, and other technical and professional institutions, including their respective hostels. The decision was formalized during a high-level meeting held at the Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Shri Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Campus Safety
During the meeting, Higher Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal outlined the proposed action plan. Key interventions include:
- Institutional Committees: Formation of a ‘Drug-Free Campus Committee’ and a ‘Mental Health and Welfare Committee’ in every institution.
- Student Engagement: Appointment of dedicated Nodal Officers and the selection of Student Ambassadors to drive peer-to-peer awareness.
- Enforcement: Strict, regular checks in coordination with Police and Excise departments to halt the sale of narcotics within the 500-meter radius.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Installation of information boards, physical drop boxes, and an online system for anonymous complaints.
Institutions successfully adhering to these standards and submitting monthly compliance reports will be awarded a “Drug-Free Campus” certificate. A specialized set of guidelines is currently being drafted to standardize this process statewide.
Rehabilitation Over Immediate Punishment
A standout feature of the initiative is its compassionate approach toward addicted students. Before any punitive actions are taken, students found using drugs will first be offered counseling, medical treatment, and assistance through de-addiction centers. The government aims to engage students in positive, constructive activities through yoga, sports, cultural events, and life-skills education.
A Collective Responsibility
The state’s action aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Nasha Mukt Yuva” initiative launched on August 2, 2026, and echoes Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi’s call to the youth: “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.” The framework was previously prioritized during National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) meetings held earlier this year.
Addressing the stakeholders, Development Commissioner Shri Singh emphasized that the youth are the future of the state and the nation.
“Keeping them away from the clutches of drugs is not just the government’s job, but the collective responsibility of educational institutions, parents, and society at large,” Singh stated. He urged all relevant departments—including Health, School & Mass Education, Home, and the CID-Crime Branch—to maintain seamless coordination to ensure the campaign’s success.
