Lucknow, August 7 — Uttar Pradesh is launching an extensive campaign across all higher educational institutions to promote a drug-free environment and support youth well-being. The initiative was outlined during a key planning meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay at the Assembly premises, bringing together university registrars and examination controllers to finalize the action plan.
The youth represent the true strength of a developing nation, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay affirmed during the address. He asserted that guiding young people away from substance abuse strengthens both the state and the country, maintaining that academic centers should serve as strong foundations for character, discipline, and community growth.
Under the new guidelines, higher education campuses will host daily two-minute anti-drug pledges at the start of each working day. Teachers will reserve the final ten minutes of one class each week for open, encouraging discussions about healthy lifestyle choices. Campus initiatives will also feature student activities, including public awareness runs, essay contests, creative arts, and theatrical performances. Educational visits to inspiring cultural and historical sites are planned to nurture positive values, supported by visual campaign messaging on campus notice boards and digital platforms.
To ensure seamless execution, the state has been organized into five administrative zones, each assigned a senior departmental nodal officer to oversee regional efforts alongside university heads and college principals.
The plan introduces proactive measures to safeguard campus environments, including strict restrictions on the sale of tobacco or intoxicants within 500 meters of educational institutions. Routine reviews of hostels and dining spaces will be carried out, alongside basic entry-gate verification for incoming courier packages. Early support systems will focus on identifying students who may need assistance, offering confidential guidance and engaging parents in a collaborative, caring manner.
The strategy session was attended by Principal Secretary of Higher Education M.P. Agrawal, alongside key public representatives and senior educational officers.
