Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jul 24: With the motto “From intoxication to awakening – our commitment towards a drug-free India,” the Udupi district police department formally launched the Anti-Drug Committees in Schools and Colleges initiative at Shree Narayana Guru Hall, Bannanje, on Wednesday, July 24.
The event was presided over by Udupi superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, IPS. The chief guests included principal of Government Pre-University College, Malpe, Varghese B; additional superintendent of police Sudhakar S Naik; assistant superintendent of police, Karkala sub-division, Dr Harsha Priyamvada, IPS; Udupi DYSP Prabhu D T; and circle inspector of police, Malpe, Ramachandra Naik. Principals and students from various colleges across the district also participated in the programme.
In his address, SP Hariram Shankar spoke about the grave consequences of drug abuse and expressed concern that Udupi district currently ranks third in Karnataka in drug-related cases. He stressed that consistent coordination between college authorities and the police could help prevent students from falling into the trap of drug addiction.
He announced that each college must constitute an anti-drug committee comprising the principal, two faculty members, and three students. The jurisdictional police officer—either the inspector or sub-inspector responsible for law and order—will serve as the nodal officer for the committee. These committees are expected to meet monthly and organise at least one awareness activity, such as a campaign or walkathon. Representatives from the local police station should attend these meetings, and the nodal officer must be invited at least once every three months.
The SP also assured that if students or institutions provide information related to drug networks, their identities would be kept strictly confidential.
The programme began with a welcome address by Malpe circle inspector of police Ramachandra Naik and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Udupi additional superintendent of police Sudhakar S Naik.