Governor Calls for Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Substance Abuse

Itanagar, India Jul 31, 2026 ALN: Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) on Thursday called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to eradicate substance abuse, urging educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to join hands in making the fight against drugs a nationwide people’s movement.

The pressing issue of substance abuse has become a significant concern in India, impacting countless lives and communities across the nation. The governor's remarks come at a time when the prevalence of drug addiction and substance misuse is alarming, particularly among the youth. According to various studies, the youth demographic is particularly vulnerable to substance abuse due to a variety of factors including peer pressure, mental health challenges, and the availability of drugs. This situation has raised urgent calls for collective action to address the root causes and provide effective interventions.

Stressing that every young life lost to addiction is a loss of national potential, he said every campus, district, sports field, and village must become a centre of awareness and prevention. This highlights the need for a grassroots movement where awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of local communities. The emphasis on educational institutions as pivotal spaces for combating substance abuse underscores their role not only as centers of learning but also as environments that can foster healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making among students.

Addressing a virtual conference on ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’, organised by Lok Bhavan Itanagar, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the governor stated that substance abuse poses a serious threat not only to individual health but also to education, productivity, social harmony, and national development, according to an official statement. The implications of substance abuse extend beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and the broader societal framework. It leads to increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and a rise in crime rates, thereby straining public resources and hindering development efforts.

The conference was attended by vice chancellors of government and private universities, senior officials from the health, education, sports & youth affairs, social justice & empowerment, and tribal affairs departments, as well as deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and Red Cross volunteers. Such a diverse gathering indicates the multifaceted nature of the issue at hand and the necessity for a coordinated response that encompasses various sectors of society.

Parnaik emphasized that a Nasha Mukt Bharat is not merely about eliminating drugs but about encouraging healthy choices, informed decision-making, supportive families, and resilient communities. This holistic approach recognizes that addressing substance abuse requires more than just punitive measures; it necessitates fostering an environment conducive to positive choices and resilience against addiction.

He warned that addiction destroys not only individuals but also their families and weakens society. The cycle of addiction can have devastating effects, leading to familial breakdowns, increased mental health issues, and a diminished sense of community. This underscores the importance of support systems, both for individuals struggling with addiction and their families, to facilitate recovery and reintegration into society.

Describing the youth as the country’s greatest strength, the governor advocated for a comprehensive strategy centred on prevention, awareness, technology-driven monitoring and outreach, and skill development programmes to help recovered individuals reintegrate into society with dignity. The use of technology in monitoring and outreach can enhance the effectiveness of prevention programs, allowing for data-driven approaches to identify at-risk populations and tailor interventions accordingly.

He proposed five major interventions to strengthen the anti-drug campaign, including:

• Setting up anti-drug cells and counselling facilities in every university.
• Establishing district-level anti-drug task forces with early warning systems.
• Promoting sports as an anti-drug movement.
• Expanding community-based counselling, rehabilitation, and de-addiction services.
• Launching a ‘Nasha Mukt Tribal Youth Movement’ through local languages, community participation, and village-level volunteers.

These proposed interventions reflect an understanding that combating substance abuse requires localized and tailored responses. The establishment of anti-drug cells in universities can provide students with immediate access to support and resources, while district-level task forces can facilitate coordination among various stakeholders, ensuring a unified approach to tackling the issue.

The promotion of sports as an anti-drug movement is particularly noteworthy, as it not only encourages physical fitness but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and a sense of community among youth. Engaging young people in sports can serve as a powerful deterrent against substance abuse, providing them with constructive alternatives and a sense of purpose.

The governor also urged students, particularly those pursuing medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, and public health, to become ambassadors against substance abuse by contributing to awareness, prevention, treatment, research, and evidence-based policymaking. This call to action empowers future healthcare professionals to play a proactive role in addressing substance abuse, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle this complex issue.

Highlighting the need for greater research in addiction medicine, mental health, and behavioural sciences, he stated that policies should be guided by scientific evidence. The integration of research into policymaking ensures that interventions are not only effective but also responsive to the evolving nature of substance abuse and its underlying causes.

Reaffirming his commitment as chief rector of Rajiv Gandhi University and Chancellor of the University, Parnaik called upon all stakeholders to transform the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign into a true Jan Andolan in pursuit of a healthier, stronger, and Viksit Bharat by 2047. This vision for a drug-free future aligns with the broader goals of national development and social well-being, emphasizing the importance of collective action and sustained commitment to creating a healthier society.