The Maharashtra government has launched the Drugs Free Mumbai campaign with support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described it as an important step towards a drug-free society. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged citizens, educational institutions and families to join the year-long initiative against drug abuse.
Drugs Free Mumbai Campaign Launched: PM Narendra Modi Praises Maharashtra’s Anti-Drug Drive, CM Devendra Fadnavis Calls for Statewide Public Movement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended the Maharashtra government’s Drugs Free Mumbai campaign, describing it as an important step towards building a drug-free society. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha urged citizens, educational institutions and families to actively participate in the year-long initiative.
The Drugs Free Mumbai campaign was formally launched in Mumbai on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his appreciation through a special message. The initiative aims to strengthen public awareness against narcotics while supporting the national vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat through coordinated efforts involving government agencies, educational institutions, parents and civil society. Sprouts News reports that the campaign is designed as a long-term public movement rather than a one-time awareness programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his message, said the campaign represents an important step towards creating an aware, empowered and drug-free society. He emphasised that achieving the vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat requires collective participation from families, communities, educational institutions and government agencies. He also noted that the energy and positive thinking of India’s youth remain among the country’s greatest strengths.
The Prime Minister’s message was read during the launch ceremony held at the NSCI Dome, Worli, where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially inaugurated the campaign at 11.30 am. Several senior government officials and dignitaries attended the programme, highlighting the state’s commitment to combating drug abuse through awareness and coordinated enforcement.
Among those present were Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agrawal, Mumbai City Collector Aanchal Goyal, and Mumbai Suburban Collector Saurabh Katiyar, along with representatives from various public and social sectors.
Devendra Fadnavis Calls for United Fight Against Drug Network
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India can only be realised through sustained public participation and strict action against narcotics. He stated that Mumbai and the entire state of Maharashtra must work collectively to eliminate drug abuse and prevent organised networks from targeting young people.
Fadnavis said India is a nation of youth, making it essential to protect younger generations from the harmful effects of narcotics. He urged citizens to immediately inform police about suspected drug trafficking or related illegal activities, assuring that informants’ identities would remain confidential while valuable information would be rewarded under the state’s enforcement framework.
The Chief Minister emphasised that dismantling the entire drug ecosystem requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, local communities and responsible citizens. According to the state government, public participation remains central to the success of the initiative.
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Mangal Prabhat Lodha Highlights Awareness and Youth Protection
The Maharashtra government has appointed Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha as Chairman of the High-Level Committee for the Drug De-addiction Public Awareness Campaign. Addressing the gathering, Lodha described the launch of the Drugs Free Mumbai initiative as an urgent social necessity.
Lodha stated that hostile forces attempt to weaken India’s younger generation by encouraging drug abuse, making awareness and preventive action increasingly important. He said the Maharashtra government has continued action against narcotics under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while public awareness remains equally essential.
He stressed that responsibility for combating drug abuse cannot rest solely with the government or police. Parents, teachers, educational institutions, voluntary organisations and every citizen must actively contribute towards protecting young people from substance abuse and supporting long-term prevention efforts.
According to Lodha, Drugs Free Mumbai is intended as a people’s movement rather than merely a government campaign. He thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for supporting wider public participation across all sections of society.
Lodha further urged parents to maintain regular communication with their children, stating that awareness within families remains one of the strongest safeguards against addiction. He added that the campaign would continue until Mumbai achieves the objective of becoming completely drug-free.
Skill Development, CM Mahafund and Educational Outreach
Speaking about youth empowerment, Mangal Prabhat Lodha highlighted several initiatives launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to strengthen employment and skill development opportunities. He said Maharashtra has established thousands of skill development centres to equip students with practical capabilities alongside formal education.
Lodha announced that the state government plans to launch the CM Mahafund scheme from 15 August, with the first phase targeting financial assistance for one lakh students. The initiative aims to support employability, entrepreneurship and long-term economic opportunities for young people.
The government also announced that anti-drug awareness committees will be established across schools and colleges throughout Maharashtra. A specially prepared training manual for committee members was officially released during the launch event to support awareness programmes and capacity building.
Throughout the year, schools, colleges, counsellors, parents and social organisations will participate in awareness activities under the campaign. The central message, “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life,” seeks to encourage healthy lifestyles while promoting responsible choices among young people.
During the event, around 10,000 Gen-Z participants pledged to remain free from drugs and support the vision of a Drug-Free Mumbai and Drug-Free India. More than five lakh students also reportedly joined the anti-drug pledge through online participation. As Maharashtra expands awareness, enforcement and skill development initiatives simultaneously, the campaign is expected to remain a significant component of the state’s public health and youth engagement strategy. Sprouts News will continue tracking major developments related to the initiative.
