Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan emphasized the need for sustained efforts to completely eradicate the illegal drug trade from the state
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Odisha Government has decided to launch a massive awareness campaign against illegal drug trade from May 31 to June 26, 2025. In a high-level meeting held at Kharavela Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister for Law, Works and Excise emphasised the Government’s resolve to make Odisha drug-free and curb illicit trading of liquor.
He stated that each department has a crucial role in the programme to be held across the state against the consumption and trade of illegal narcotics. Thus, efforts must be made to create awareness from the school level to the gram panchayat level throughout every corner of the State.
“Various folk arts like Pala, Dasakathia and Ghodanacha will be used to spread awareness about the adverse effects of illegal drug consumption in different local markets and areas,” the Minister said.
Harichandan advised senior officials of all departments to ensure awareness through Sachetana Rath (awareness chariot) at the district, sub-division and block levels.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, present at the meeting, proposed leveraging self-help groups (SHGs) in rural areas to expand the campaign’s outreach. He underscored the importance of sustained engagement through school-based essay competitions and regular awareness initiatives. “Strengthening grassroots participation is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of this initiative,” he remarked.
Excise Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar provided an overview of the objectives and structure of the campaign and highlighted the use of the MANAS Portal and the 1933 helpline to report drug-related activities and raise awareness.
“Engaging communities at the grassroots level is the key to making this initiative impactful. At the school, college, and university levels, the ‘Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs’ campaign programme, and the use of the MANAS Portal and 1933 helpline number to stop illegal drug trade will be made aware to the public,” she said.
The meeting was attended by Arvind Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department; RK Sharma, Special Secretary, Home Department; Pinak Mishra, DIG (STF) and senior officials of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Commerce and Transport, Sports and Youth Services, School and Mass Education, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Mission Shakti, ORSAC and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bhubaneswar and Odisha State Beverages Corporation Limited (OSBCL).
Noteworthy, Excise Department along with the police and special squads, has been conducting regular raids. As a result, numerous illegal liquor shops have been shut down and large quantities of raw materials and vehicles have been seized. Several individuals involved in the illegal trade have also been arrested.
