Srinagar, Aug 2 : Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that Indiaâ??s greatest strength lies in its young population, which accounts for nearly 65 per cent of the total population.

L-G Sinha attended the launch of the â??Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyanâ?? at a UT-Level function organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and SKUAST-Kashmir.

The 100-week mega campaign was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a nationwide resolve to secure Indiaâ??s future by empowering its youth and eliminating the menace of drugs.

Addressing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Indiaâ??s greatest strength lies in its young population, with nearly 65 per cent below the age of 35.

He also highlighted that 37 crore youth in the 15-29 age group are eager to contribute to nation-building. â??The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan seeks to energise this demographic, guiding them towards healthy lifestyles and active participation in development.

He said Indiaâ??s youth must emerge like a cloud of energy, spreading across the horizon of development.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020 by the Prime Minister, is not merely a government programme but a social movement against the drug menace. Its objective is to instil values of self-discipline, positive thinking, and strong determination among citizens.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that over one crore youth are joining the â??Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyanâ?? at nearly 10,000 locations nationwide, reflecting the collective responsibility of society to protect young people from drugs.

More than 35,000 MY Bharat youth clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, schools, colleges, and industry organisations are participating in the 100-week campaign, which connects youth every Sunday across the country.

The L-G expressed confidence that this initiative will become a milestone in uprooting drugs from society. Congratulating the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, he praised their active participation in the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan conducted from April 11 to July 20.

He said this campaign has become a model of success for the entire nation. â??The combined efforts of administration, police, social organisations, educational institutions, religious leaders, and citizens proved that even the biggest challenges can be overcome when society unites for a common purpose,â?? the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also highlighted the significant achievements of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign.

Around 2,300 FIRs have been registered, 2,600 people arrested, and 1,500 kilograms of narcotics seized. More than 331 properties worth around Rs 200 crore belonging to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers have been attached.

Additionally, over 370 driving licenses and 750 vehicle registrations have been cancelled, with recommendations made to cancel nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards. The Lieutenant Governor said these actions demonstrate the governmentâ??s unwavering policy against the drug network that threatens the future of youth.

â??While enforcement remains crucial, public awareness and rehabilitation are equally important. We will soon initiate the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in the two most-affected districts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Designed as a three-year rehabilitation cycle, the scheme will focus on medical treatment, counselling, education, skill development, employment, reintegration, and long-term monitoring. I see youth affected by drugs as victims, and we need to ensure their dignity, livelihood, and a meaningful future,â?? the Lieutenant Governor said.

He urged families, teachers, and youth organisations to play a proactive role in guiding youth. â??Parents and teachers are the greatest guides and must support youth through dialogue, trust, and encouragement. Volunteers of MY Bharat, Nehru Yuva Kendras, and youth clubs should take the campaignâ??s message to every village, school, college and community,â?? he said.

The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the youth to stay away from drugs, inspire peers, and become healthy, disciplined, and responsible citizens. He expressed confidence that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will dispel the darkness of drugs and spread the light of knowledge, progress, and positive energy.

â??A healthy youth, a strong family, and an aware public will become the identity of Viksit Bharat,â?? the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also administered the Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Nitin Hangloo, Director, Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) J&K; senior officials, members of Youth Clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, prominent citizens, and youth in large numbers attended the UT-level function.

/IANS