Udupi Deputy Commissioner Issues Stringent Directives to Combat Youth Substance Abuse
In a decisive move to address the growing concern of substance abuse among young people, Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK has issued comprehensive directives to district officials. The orders were delivered during the NCORD district-level coordination committee meeting and the fourth quarterly meeting of the District Tobacco Control Cell, held at the DC office in Rajathadri.
Severe Consequences of Drug Consumption Highlighted
DC Swaroopa TK emphasized the severe physical, mental, social, and economic consequences of drug consumption. She noted that substance abuse not only leads to serious illnesses but also causes mental imbalance and deteriorating health, creating a ripple effect that impacts families and communities.
Preventive Measures and Educational Initiatives
The DC stressed the critical importance of educating young people about the dangers of addiction and creating a drug-free environment in schools and colleges. She directed officials to implement several key measures:
- Only prescribed medicines should be sold in medical shops, with mandatory display of signboards prohibiting the sale of medicines without a doctor's prescription.
- Regular inspections must be conducted to ensure CCTV cameras are installed in all medical stores.
- Monthly awareness activities such as essay writing, speeches, debates, and skits should be organized in educational institutions to spread knowledge about the ill effects of drug abuse.
Targeting Illegal Manufacturing and Ensuring Compliance
Pointing out the possibility of illegal drug manufacturing in certain industrial units, DC Swaroopa TK directed officials from the labour and industries departments to carry out periodic inspections. She also instructed education departments to jointly inspect schools and colleges to ensure compliance with ‘Tobacco-Free Educational Institution' norms.
Notably, out of 1,058 schools in the district, 17 have been identified but are yet to be officially certified and uploaded on the website.
Enforcement and Testing Protocols
The DC further instructed that drug testing kits must be stocked in district hospitals, government hospitals, and community health centres. Hostel students should be tested using these kits, and strict action must be taken against wardens if cases of drug use are detected.
Ongoing Awareness Campaigns and Village Initiatives
Under the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0, awareness programmes including street plays are being conducted in crowded areas such as schools, colleges, bus stands, and Malpe Beach. Several villages in the district have already been declared tobacco-free, and efforts are under way to extend this initiative to all villages with the support of local bodies and panchayat representatives.
Enforcement Statistics and Legal Actions
Providing enforcement details, DC Swaroopa TK revealed that more than 104 surprise raids were conducted this year, resulting in over 1,249 cases registered under relevant sections and fines amounting to Rs 2,18,050 collected. Additionally, 173 cases were booked within the district hospital premises for violations of the COTPA Act, with fines totalling Rs 20,250.
Key Officials Present
The meeting was attended by SP Hariram Shankar, ASP Sudhakar Nayak, DHO Dr Basavaraj Hubballi, district family welfare officer Dr Ramarao, deputy director of social welfare department Narayana Swamy, and other district-level officials, underscoring the multi-departmental approach to tackling this issue.
