Ensure Proper Enforcement of Anti-Drugs Campaign in Higher Educational Institutions: Chief Secretary
Says: Conduct Random Raids Proactively Without Waiting for Whistleblower Inputs
Dehradun: A review meeting of the anti-drugs campaign was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, with concerned officials in attendance. The Chief Secretary expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement actions being carried out under the anti-drug campaign in various technical, medical, and higher educational institutions across the capital, Dehradun.
He directed officials to conduct random raids not only in these educational institutions but also in nearby restaurants, roadside eateries, and similar establishments. He emphasized the need for drug use sampling and conducting medical examinations of individuals suspected of substance abuse.
Additionally, he instructed that all educational institutions be made aware of their responsibilities under the NDPS Act. Institutions showing negligence in implementing the anti-drug campaign should face strict legal action under the Act.
The Chief Secretary stressed that enforcement should not depend solely on information from whistleblowers. Instead, authorities should take a proactive approach, conducting surprise raids to apprehend drug peddlers and users.
Besides strict enforcement actions, he directed the launch of awareness campaigns in all educational institutions, involving members of civil society, NGOs working in this sector, as well as women’s and youth groups.
He also instructed officials to maximize the use of social media for promoting awareness campaigns.
The meeting was attended by Director General of Police Deepam Seth, Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Inspector General Nivedita Kukreti, Dehradun District Magistrate Sabin Bansal, Senior Superintendent of Police Dehradun Ajay Kumar, STF Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar, and other relevant departmental officials.
