The widespread issue of drug abuse in the entire Northeastern region, including Tripura, has become a pressing concern, particularly because it is negatively impacting the future prospects of the region’s youth, according to Tripura Youth and Sports Affairs Minister, Tinku Roy.
In an address to the press on Friday, Minister Tinku Roy outlined the ongoing efforts of the state government to combat drug abuse and emphasized the importance of engaging youth in productive activities rather than succumbing to addiction. Initiatives such as ‘Khelo Tripura Sushtha Tripura’ have been introduced to encourage youth involvement in sports and recreational activities as an alternative to drug use.
Minister Roy revealed that the state’s sports department has devised a new approach to raise awareness among the general public, especially in anticipation of the major festival, Durga Puja. He called upon clubs, social organizations, Bazar Samitis, and other entities responsible for organizing Durga Puja to voluntarily participate in sensitizing society to the drug abuse issue. This sensitization can be achieved through various means, including the use of themes in puja pandals, festoons, banners, and other creative methods.
Furthermore, Minister Tinku Roy announced that these clubs and organizations actively involved in the ‘Nesha-Mukt’ (Drug-Free) campaign would be recognized and rewarded based on the quality of their efforts in designing the puja pandals.
He urged clubs and organizations to play an active role in the ‘Nesha-Mukt’ campaign, emphasizing that the implementation of this initiative, particularly during Durga Puja when large crowds from different parts of the state gather, would be instrumental in curbing rampant drug abuse in Tripura.
