Anti-drug Mission Vimukthi’s Cyclothon “Sheriyoram” Kicks Off

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Kerala Labour and Excise Minister T P Ramakrishnan today said that the government would intensify action against drug-selling shops in the vicinity of educational institutions, including their shut-down if necessary.

The government has already given instructions to Police and Excise officials in this regard, the Minister said during the State-level inauguration of teenagers’ cyclothon “Sheriyoram” on 310 roads across the State, at Gandhi Park here.

The cyclothon is being organised by Kerala’s drug and addiction-free mission ‘Vimukthi’, launched by the State Excise Department, as part of the ongoing 90-day anti-drug awareness drive on the theme “Tomorrow’s Kerala Addiction-Free Kerala.” The event is conducted in association with State Education Department and VHSE National Service Scheme Cell (NSS).

“Law has its limitations to curb the menace of drugs, and the government is trying to address this lacuna. Meanwhile, widespread awareness campaigns will go on until Vimukthi attains its goal,” Ramakrishnan said.

K. Sreekumar, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram; presided over the function. Jeevan Babu. K, Director, General Education, Kerala also spoke. Rajeev. D, Additional Excise Commissioner, gave anti-drug pledge. Gopakumar, Deputy Excise Commissioner; and Ranjith, Coordinator, NSS, were also present.

On the occasion, Rajalal, who had been the District Coordinator of NSS, Kollam, for 20 years, was honoured by the Minister. NSS volunteers from various VHSS Schools in the capital city took part in the cyclothon.

Vimukthi has forged partnership with anti-drug clubs at schools and colleges, students police cadet corps, state library council, voluntary outfits, and student, youth and women organisations to mobilise public support for the anti-drug and anti-alcoholism drive.

Giving a big boost to the campaign, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had changed the cover photo on his Face Book account to highlight the drug-free and de-addiction campaign on the New Year eve.