Srinagar, Aug 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said youth must emerge like a cloud of energy and spread across the horizon of development.
Attending the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ at a J&K-level function organised by Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), LG Sinha while addressing the J&K youth said, “The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan seeks to energise 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 emphasised that India’s greatest strength lies in its young population, with nearly 65 percent below the age of 35. The LG said that 37 crore youth in the 15-29 age group were eager to contribute to nation-building.
He said that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was not merely a government programme but a social movement against drug menace.
LG Sinha said that its objective was to instil values of self-discipline, positive thinking, and strong determination among citizens.
He said that over 1 crore youth were 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.
Congratulating the J&K youth, the LG praised their active participation in the ‘100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’ conducted from April 11 to July 20.
He said that this campaign had become a model of success for the entire nation.
“The combined efforts of administration, police, social organisations, educational institutions, religious leaders, and citizens proved that even the biggest challenges can be overcome when society unites for a common purpose,” LG Sinha said.
He highlighted the achievements of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign.
“Around 2300 FIRs have been registered, 2600 people arrested, and 1500 kg 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 3000 Aadhaar cards,” the LG said.
He 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,” LG Sinha said.
He urged families, teachers, and youth organisations 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,” the LG said.
He exhorted the youth to stay away from drugs, inspire peers, and become healthy, disciplined, and responsible citizens.
LG Sinha expressed confidence that the J&K youth would 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,” he said.
LG Sinha expressed confidence that this initiative will become a milestone in uprooting drugs from society.
The LG also administered the Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge to the J&K youth.
The 100-week mega campaign was virtually inaugurated by PM Modi, marking a nationwide resolve to secure India’s future by empowering its youth and eliminating the menace of 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.
Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K; Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Nitin Hangloo, Director, Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) J&K; senior officials, members of youth clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, prominent citizens, and youth in large number attended the J&K level function.
