Srinagar: India’s greatest strength lies in its young population, with nearly 65 percent of the population below the age of 35, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday as he urged the youth to work towards nation building.
Addressing a UT-level function for the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, Sinha said that 37 crore youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years are eager to contribute to nation building.
The 100-week mega campaign was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a nationwide resolve to secure India’s future by empowering its youth and eliminating the menace of drugs.
“The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan seeks to energize this demographic, guiding them toward healthy lifestyles and active participation in development. Our youth must emerge like a cloud of energy and spread across the horizon of development,” he said.
According to an official press release, the LG observed that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020 by the Prime Minister, is not merely a government programme but a social movement against drug menace. Its objective is to instil’ values of self-discipline, positive thinking, and strong determination among citizens.
The LG noted that over one crore youth are joining the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” at nearly 10,000 locations nationwide, reflecting the collective responsibility of society to protect young people from drugs.
“More than 35,000 MY Bharat youth clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, schools, colleges, and industry organizations are participating in the 100-week campaign, which connects youth every Sunday across the country.”
The LG expressed confidence that this initiative will become a milestone in uprooting drugs from society.
Congratulating the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, the LG praised their active participation in the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan conducted from April 11 to July 20. This campaign, he said, has become a model of success for the entire nation.
“The combined efforts of administration, police, social organizations, educational institutions, religious leaders, and citizens proved that even the biggest challenges can be overcome when society unites for a common purpose,” the LG said.
The LG also highlighted the significant achievements of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign. Around 2,300 FIRs have been registered, 2,600 people arrested, and 1,500 kilograms of narcotics seized. More than 331 properties worth around Rs 200 crore belonging to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers have been attached. Additionally, over 370 driving licenses and 750 vehicle registrations have been cancelled, with recommendations made to cancel nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards. The LG said these actions demonstrate the government’s unwavering policy against the drug network that threatens the future of youth.
“While enforcement remains crucial, public awareness and rehabilitation are equally important. We will soon initiate the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in two most-affected districts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Designed as a three-year rehabilitation cycle, the scheme will focus on medical treatment, counselling, education, skill development, employment, reintegration, and long-term monitoring. I see youth affected by drugs as victims and we need to ensure their dignity, livelihood, and a meaningful future,” the LG said.
The LG urged families, teachers, and youth organizations to play a proactive role in guiding youth.
“Parents and teachers are the greatest guides and must support youth through dialogue, trust, and encouragement. Volunteers of MY Bharat, Nehru Yuva Kendras, and youth clubs should take the campaign’s message to every village, school, college and community,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the youth to stay away from drugs, inspire peers, and become healthy, disciplined, and responsible citizens. He expressed confidence that the youth of Jammu Kashmir will dispel the darkness of drugs and spread the light of knowledge, progress, and positive energy.
“A healthy youth, a strong family, and an aware public will become the identity of Viksit Bharat,” the LG said.
On the occasion, the LG also administered the Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge to the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
