Patna (Bihar) [India], October 27 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Tuesday launched a month-long drug-free Bihar campaign, flagging the rising use of non-alcoholic drugs in eight districts, including Patna, Vaishali and Ara, and calling for strict action to prevent substance abuse among the youth.
Inaugurating the campaign at Adhiveshan Bhawan in Patna, Chaudhary said the state government would work with the Centre to make Bihar free from substance abuse and stressed the need to take the initiative to the grassroots level through public awareness programmes, street plays and community participation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said a nationwide campaign to make India drug-free would continue until 2029, as announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He also credited former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the successful implementation of prohibition in Bihar.
"A campaign will be carried out across India until 2029 to make the country drug-free. Home Minister Amit Shah has also made this announcement. At that time, a major decision was taken to implement a liquor ban, without prioritising revenue concerns. This successful endeavour is due to Nitish Kumar ji; I congratulate him for it," he said.
Chaudhary emphasised that building a healthy, substance-free society would require sustained public participation and awareness at the local level. He called for the involvement of organisations such as the Brahma Kumaris and the Jeevika self-help group network to strengthen the campaign.
Congratulating the Brahma Kumari sisters for engaging approximately 15 lakh people in the cause, he said the initiative should be taken forward through awareness campaigns in urban areas, street plays in villages and coordination with the Jeevika network at the panchayat level.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the growing use of drugs other than alcohol since the implementation of prohibition in Bihar, stating that their prevalence had increased over the years.
"Since the implementation of the liquor ban in Bihar, the use of 'dry' (non-liquid) drugs has begun to spread. The prevalence of these drugs is increasing year by year—in 2024, 2025, and 2026. People are seeking alternatives to alcohol. The use of such drugs has risen in eight districts, including Patna, Vaishali, and Ara, which have become specific targets. If the younger generation in Bihar falls prey to substance abuse, they will be ruined," he said.
Highlighting the impact of addiction on young people, Chaudhary recalled an account shared by MP Manoj Tiwari at an event on Monday, in which two talented singers from Tiwari's village allegedly fell behind because of drug addiction.
"Many young people are being left behind due to drug addiction. Manoj Tiwari and I were at an event yesterday, where he mentioned that two people from his village were even better singers than him, but they became addicted to drugs and were left behind, while he was able to move forward," he said.
Recalling the situation before the prohibition law was implemented, Chaudhary added that people under the influence of alcohol would often disrupt public meetings during visits to constituencies and villages.
"Before 2016, whenever we visited our constituencies or villages, someone would often show up under the influence of alcohol, disrupting the entire proceedings," he said.
The Chief Minister urged Bihar's first woman Director General of Police, Preeta Verma, to take the strictest possible action against the drug menace, assuring her of the state government's full support.
"Preeta Verma is the first female DGP in Bihar; I urge her to take the strictest possible action to break the back of this menace. You have the full backing of the government—please transform this situation. If you do not receive a proper resolution, please reach out to us or submit an application through the 'Sahyog' (support) portal, and we will take action," he said.
Chaudhary also asked Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit to ensure that the campaign reaches every village in the state, stressing the need to strengthen enforcement through technology.
"I urge Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit ji to ensure the campaign reaches every single village; only then will it be truly successful. Liquor is being smuggled in by hiding it inside tractor parts. In some instances, men are even disguising themselves as women to transport alcohol. We must fully leverage technology; that is the only way to transform Bihar," he said.
He further stated that special courts had been established in Bihar to deal with cases related to the issue and noted that the number of cases had increased.
"Special courts have also been established in Bihar for this purpose. Previously, the number of cases was lower, but now it is on the rise. Both the Government of India and the Government of Bihar are taking a strict stance on this matter; action will be taken. Work towards making Bihar free from substance abuse," the Chief Minister said.
CM Chaudhary reiterated that the state government was committed to making Bihar free from substance abuse, underscoring the importance of strict enforcement and public awareness in protecting the younger generation from addiction. (ANI)
"Strict action to prevent substance abuse": Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary launches month-long drug-free campaign
