Bhubaneswar: In a major policy push to curb addiction and related social harms, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that no new liquor shops will be opened in the state for the next three years.
The decision, tied to the state’s excise policy that came into force on April 1, aligns with a broader strategy to enforce zero tolerance against substance abuse, hold local administrations directly accountable for illegal or spurious liquor trades and mandatory 24/7 CCTV surveillance at manufacturing and retail outlets while introducing a 0.5% “De-Addiction Cess” on excise duty.
Speaking on Sunday at the launch of the public awareness programme ‘Jiban Jindabad-2.0’ organised by the Commissionerate Police at the Railway Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, Majhi called for the complete eradication of substance abuse, stressing that addiction destroys not only individual lives but also families and the wider fabric of society.
While the initial phase of the campaign launched last year targeted the prevention of suicidal tendencies, the second edition seeks to redirect the state’s youth away from drugs toward education, sports, and creative pursuits.
As part of the initiative, Majhi also inaugurated a dedicated Commissionerate Police website designed to advance the anti-drug drive.
The Chief Minister described substance abuse as a primary driver of many heinous crimes and incidents of violence against women, pointing to alarming public health statistics. He noted that alcohol consumption causes between 2.60 lakh and 2.80 lakh deaths annually across India and voiced grave concern over Odisha ranking second nationwide in drunk-driving fatalities.
Majhi directed the state police and excise administration to execute proactive and stringent crackdowns not only on illicit alcohol but also on high-risk narcotics, including cannabis, opium, cocaine, heroin, brown sugar, and synthetic drugs.
Highlighting measures already in place, the CM said local administrations have been made directly accountable for the trade in illicit and spurious liquor. The production and sale of tobacco and nicotine-laced pan masala and gutkha have been completely banned, while school and college campuses have been declared substance-free zones. He affirmed Odisha’s commitment to meeting the goal set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah of making India entirely drug-free by the end of 2029.
Majhi urged parents to treat sudden behavioural changes in children as warning signs and noted encouraging signs that many young people are already choosing healthier options such as protein and energy drinks. He called on citizens in every village and town to spread the message “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life” and to help build a healthier, more conscious and prosperous Odisha.
The programme was attended by Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra, Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh, senior officials, guests, students and youth. The event also featured cultural performances and an awareness play conveying messages against substance use.