Govt may rope in celebrities for anti-drug campaign: Minister

Patna: Cabinet minister Ashok Choudhary on Wednesday said the state govt was considering to rope in celebrities who have recovered from drug abuse to help create awareness against substance use.

Replying to a call attention motion moved by MLC Rabindra Prasad Singh in the legislative council, Choudhary said the govt had received reports of rising drug consumption among children and was working on measures to address the problem, including awareness campaigns. Singh drew attention to the use of solution and gums as intoxicants, while several members expressed concern over drug abuse among children aged from 8 to 14, saying minors were being seen inhaling and injecting various substances.


Choudhary said the govt, which had implemented a complete liquor ban, was firmly opposed to all forms of intoxication and was taking steps to curb drug abuse. He cited enforcement data from 2016 to Dec 21 last year, stating that 10 lakh cases were registered and 1.60 lakh vehicles were seized for illegal activities. He added that seizures during the period included 15,800 kg of ganja, 240 kg of afeem, 350 kg of charas, and 40,000 litres of cough syrup. “Govt is sensitive on this matter and is taking all possible steps,” he said.

MLC Khalid Anwar said the issue needed to be tackled in mission mode to prevent long-term harm to the children. MLC Syyed Faisal Ali called for more rehabilitation centres, especially in the border areas, to help people return to normal life. MLC Shashi Yadav stressed that rehabilitation centres should be monitored to prevent mistreatment, citing the death of a child with drug abuse in one such facility.

Members also raised concerns about an increase in liquor shops in Bihar’s border areas and suggested the govt hold talks with neighbouring states.