Bengaluru
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to amend laws aimed at combating drug trafficking and safeguarding the youth from addiction during the launch of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 at Vidhana Soudha. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the State NSS Cell, the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, and the Health and Family Welfare Department, focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
During the event, students pledged to abstain from tobacco use and to discourage its consumption among their peers. Siddaramaiah highlighted alarming statistics from the World Health Organization, noting that 1.35 million people in India die annually due to tobacco-related illnesses, many of whom are young individuals whose futures are compromised by addiction. He emphasized that half of all tobacco users suffer from severe health conditions like cancer, urging youth to resist both tobacco and drugs.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the rising drug menace in cities such as Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Hubli, and Dharwad, asserting that the government has enacted various laws to combat this issue. He appealed to all youth in the state to steer clear of harmful substances, expressing hope that the recent good rains would benefit farmers and contribute to a healthier, happier future for young people. Siddaramaiah’s call to action seeks to empower the youth to lead lives free from addiction and harmful influences.
