Nasha Mukt Abhiyan : Budgam schools host IEC campaigns to raise awareness against drug abuse

Budgam, July 21: As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, impactful Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns were today conducted at GMS Check Kawoosa, Government High School NS Pora and Government High School Narkara in district Budgam.According to a statement issued here, the events aimed to sensitise students and local communities about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to promote a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle among youth.Students, teachers, civil society members, and officials from line departments including Health, Education, Social Welfare, and the Municipal Committees enthusiastically participated in the event.The key components of these campaigns included awareness sessions on the psychological, social and health-related consequences of substance abuse and anti-drug pledge ceremonies led by school faculty and administration, where students and participants reaffirmed their commitment to a drug-free society.Besides these, rallies and street awareness marches involving students and youth volunteers to spread the message in surrounding areas, door-to-door outreach by health workers and volunteers in nearby localities to ensure grassroots awareness and engagement, Interactive activities like group discussions, quizzes, and the distribution of IEC material to make the sessions informative and participatory were also held.Speakers at the events highlighted the growing challenge of drug abuse, particularly among the younger population, and underlined the importance of early intervention, awareness, and collective action. The availability of rehabilitation, de-addiction, and counselling services was also shared with the attendees.The initiative sought not only to inform but also to inspire students to take up the mantle of peer educators and advocates for a drug-free society within their schools and communities.District Budgam remains committed to continuing such awareness programmes to ensure sustained efforts toward achieving the vision of a Nasha Mukt Budgam, Nasha Mukt J&K, and Nasha Mukt Bharat.