More than five million school children across the state took the pledge
against using and discouraging others from using addictive substances such as tobacco, pan masala and alcohol on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
A state-level event also was held jointly organised by the Departments of Excise and Education, Government of Kerala and Tobacco Free Kerala, in which more than 100 school students took the pledge.
Inaugurating the event the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala Shri.Oommen Chandy reiterated the Government's decision to strictly enforce the ban on pan masala and gutkha containing tobacco and nicotine in Kerala. He called upon the traders and dealers of such products to cooperate with the ban.
"Based on request from the trading community and considering practicalities, we gave a month's time (till June 15) to remove their existing stock of pan masala products. The Government will strictly implement this ban since the allowed deadline is already over."
The Chief Minister said that the Government had banned the sale of pan masala and other addictive substances around 400 metres of educational institutions to keep away and completely discourage students from their use.
"Several people filed cases in the Court against this decision, but the Hon'ble Court also took a favourable stance, recognising the underlying social commitment."
The Government's strategy to tackle the drug menace is two-pronged - reducing availability and spreading awareness.
"The Government will give all possible support and encouragement to anti-drug/narcotic clubs in schools," Shri.Chandy added.
The Chief Minister gave away the trophy and cash award of Rs.10,000 to GM UP School, Malappuram for showcasing the best performance at the state-level in spreading the message against use of drugs.
Adopting a participatory approach, the school and its students have used tools such as essay competitions, rallies and seminars in their fight against drugs and addictive substances.
Shri.Oommen Chandy also presented Mr.Jyothish Kumar of Kannur with a cash award of Rs.10,000 and a certificate for designing the official logo for the anti-drug campaign activities of the Excise Department.
In his presidential address, Shri.K.Babu, Hon'ble Minister for Excise outlined the awareness programmes conducted by the Excise Department in the last one year against drug abuse. He also remembered the decision to ban pan masala around 400 metres of schools was taken in the Cabinet meeting held on World No Tobacco Day 2011.
Shri.Sarath Chandra Prasad Ex MLA, Shri.Anil X IAS, Excise Commissioner and Shri.R.K.Srikumaran Chettiyar, Joint Excise Commissioner also spoke.
Shri.P.Janardana Aiyar, Hon.Secretary, Regional Cancer Association and Dr.K.Jayakrishnan, Associate Professor, Department of Community Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum were also present on the occasion.
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