Drug Free Ernakulam campaign launched to free colleges from drug abuse
The initiative will coordinate anti-drug activities implemented by police and excise departments in the district. This is a continuation of the anti-drug activities being implemented at schools.
The project will include all colleges in govt, aided, and private sectors, including medical, engineering and nursing colleges. In addition to making drug eradication possible, efforts will be made to reintegrate students who are addicted to drugs back into life through counselling and treatment.
Various programmes under the name 'drug-free campus' would be organised in the colleges from Aug 1 to 15, the minister said. All colleges have been instructed to formulate an anti-drug policy. The college that formulates the best policy and performs excellently in making the campus drug-free would receive a special award from the district collector, the minister announced.
College protection groups will be formed as a gift to the existing school protection groups by July 31. These groups, implemented in collaboration with the excise department's Neerkootam committees, will play a significant role in securing campuses. Police and excise officers will be included in these groups along with college principals, teachers and parents. At present, college protection groups have been formed in 48 colleges in the district.
The station house officer or excise officer of the respective area will be the conveners of the groups. Organisations like NCC, NSS and NGOs will also be part of this.
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Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Drug Free Ernakulam campaign launched to free colleges from drug abuse
Kochi: Industries minister P Rajeeve on Sunday launched a Drug Free Ernakulam initiative at Collectorate Conference Hall, with the aim of freeing colleges from the clutches of drug abuse. The initiative will coordinate anti-drug activities implemented by police and excise departments in the district. This is a continuation of the anti-drug activities being implemented at schools. The project will include all colleges in govt, aided, and private sectors, including medical, engineering and nursing colleges. In addition to making drug eradication possible, efforts will be made to reintegrate students who are addicted to drugs back into life through counselling and treatment. Various programmes under the name 'drug-free campus' would be organised in the colleges from Aug 1 to 15, the minister said. All colleges have been instructed to formulate an anti-drug policy. The college that formulates the best policy and performs excellently in making the campus drug-free would receive a special award from the district collector, the minister announced. College protection groups will be formed as a gift to the existing school protection groups by July 31. These groups, implemented in collaboration with the excise department's Neerkootam committees, will play a significant role in securing campuses. Police and excise officers will be included in these groups along with college principals, teachers and parents. At present, college protection groups have been formed in 48 colleges in the district. The station house officer or excise officer of the respective area will be the conveners of the groups. Organisations like NCC, NSS and NGOs will also be part of this.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Indian Express
PGI launches Sarathi feedback app to monitor patient experience of volunteer assistance
In a move to further enhance patient support services, the PGIMER's flagship volunteer initiative, 'Project Sarathi,' has now been expanded beyond the National Service Scheme (NSS) framework to welcome all interested student volunteers, encouraging broader community participation in patient care. In another key development, the institute has launched a dedicated mobile application for collecting patient feedback. The Sarathi feedback app will now be made available to each volunteer, who will gather real-time feedback from patients and attendants after offering them assistance. This data will enable the administration to make informed decisions and continually improve the quality of services. Sharing his thoughts on the application, Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, stated: 'Project Sarathi has been a heartening example of how structured community involvement can transform hospital services. The expansion of volunteer participation and the launch of the feedback app is another step in our commitment to patient-centred care and continuous improvement'. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, said that the decision to expand beyond the NSS was taken considering the consistently positive response received through daily interactions among Sarathi volunteers, hospital staff, and patients. 'Recognising the immense value that volunteers bring in simplifying the patient journey at PGIMER, the institute is now opening the doors for students from all academic backgrounds and institutions to be part of this compassionate initiative,' Rai added. 'Project Sarathi, since its inception, has played a vital role in assisting patients and their families in navigating the large and often complex PGI system. Volunteers serve as a vital link, particularly for those from rural or underserved backgrounds, by offering clear guidance, emotional reassurance, and human connection during stressful times,' he further said. Interested student volunteers eager to contribute to this cause can send their requests and details via email to ddapgi@ This new structure aims to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive team of young change makers dedicated to patient welfare. 'The updated feedback app will enhance communication, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. The PGIMER reaffirms its commitment to participatory healthcare and responsive governance, driven by student initiative and innovative technology,' Rai concluded.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Cusat to launch anti-drug campaign REVIVE 2025 on July 15
KOCHI: As part of observing World Youth Skills Day on Tuesday, the Department of Youth Welfare, National Service Scheme (NSS), and University Union of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) are jointly organising a large-scale anti-drug campaign, REVIVE 2025, under the theme 'Drug Kills, Develop Skills'. The initiative is supported by youth enterprises such as Alcor Cyberspace and IMAT Global, and focuses on skill development as a positive alternative to substance abuse among students and youth. According to Dr M Junaid Bushiri, Vice Chancellor, CUSAT, the university has already taken effective steps to prevent drug use, especially in university campuses and hostels. 'Anti-drug committees have been formed in all departments, hostels, and at the university level. Measures are in place to ensure these committees function actively and consistently,' he said. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has emphasised the need for developing diverse skills to prevent drug abuse. The US National Institutes of Health has also published several studies highlighting the issue. Drawing inspiration from such global initiatives, CUSAT is hosting this extensive awareness programme. The campaign will be officially inaugurated on Tuesday at 10 am at the CUSAT Seminar Complex by Hibi Eden, MP. Actors Shane Nigam, Vishnu Unnikrishnan, and Lalu Alex will engage in interactive sessions with students. A panel discussion will be held on the impact of drug use on youth, featuring Dr Alisha Sulaiman, Dr Priyanka, entrepreneurs Noorin Ayesha and Tasni Rafiq, among others. Dr Ananthu S and Akhil Marar will also deliver anti-drug messages. The event will also feature a stand-up comedy show by Sabarish and a mentalism show by Arjun Satheesh. As part of skill development workshops, sessions will be led by Babu Pallassery, Utpal Nayanar, and Vijay Chandrabose, covering topics such as cinema, digital marketing, information technology, and investment.
