Kerala budget: Rs 12 crore allocated for anti-drug campaign

KOCHI: Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal announced an allocation of Rs 12 crore for Vimukthi, the state excise department's campaign against drug and alcohol addiction.
The allocation is significant as the state is witnessing a rise in drug and alcohol abuse. The budget also earmarked Rs 9.27 crore for the construction of offices and the procurement of materials for the Excise Department.
The Vimukthi awareness mission aims to create an intoxicant-free Kerala. The campaign focuses on educating young people about the dangers of narcotic substances.
The Vimukthi campaign seeks to reduce the abuse of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc., as well as their hoarding and smuggling.
Under the initiative, anti-intoxicant clubs have been established in schools and colleges. Events are organised in collaboration with various organisations such as the Student Police Cadets (SPC), Kudumbashree, the State Library Council, and volunteer groups.
Other key activities under Vimukthi include rehabilitating individuals who have begun substance abuse, preventing the sale and distribution of drugs, and providing support for de-addiction and rehabilitation.