Vimukthi against drugs launched in Kollam

Kollam: ‘Vimukthi,’ an initiative of the state government to curb the abuse of drugs and alcohol, was launched by Forest Minister K. Raju here on Tuesday.

Various programmes to ensure the people’s participation will be implemented through Vimukthi to wipe out the  social evil, the minister said at the function held at the C. Kesavan memorial town hall.

“Committees will be constituted with the participation of the public at  ward levels in panchayats for ‘Vimukthi’  to ensure drug-free campuses in educational institutions and its surroundings,” he  said.

The campaign against using tobacco products was fruitful in curbing the menace to an extent. Likewise,  effective campaigns will be organised against liquor abuse,  he added.

The excise team under the  programme will intensify its inspection to check the transport and selling of  intoxicants under its respective jurisdiction.

Special drives will be conducted by various agencies, including police and the excise  targeting teenagers.    

An installation set up by the Kollam district committee of the excise staff association  at the town hall grabbed the attention of the public. It depicted a family that stood ready to kill a snake using bow and arrow, where the snake represented the ill-effects of intoxicants.

Over 2,000 representatives, including from Kudumbasree, NSS, SPC, Scouts and Guides and students from various schools and colleges in Kollam attended the programme which was presided over by Mr M. Naushad MLA.