₹10 Lakh Reward for Drug-Free Villages: CM Vijay Announces New Scheme

The Tamil Nadu government will award a ₹10 lakh cash prize every year to villages that make significant efforts to curb drug abuse, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced in the Assembly on Thursday.

According to an official note, the government has allocated ₹5 crore annually for the scheme, under which 50 villages will be rewarded every year. The initiative is part of the State government`s efforts to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and promote drug-free communities.

Police officials said Tamil Nadu is taking strict measures against the manufacturing, transportation and sale of illegal drugs, while also focusing on reducing demand through awareness programmes. Special attention is being given to young people and students to educate them about the risks and consequences of drug abuse.

Anti-Drug Clubs in Schools and Colleges

As part of its anti-drug initiatives, Tamil Nadu has established anti-drug clubs and volunteer teams in educational institutions to encourage students to participate in drug-prevention and awareness activities.

These clubs have been established in schools, colleges and other educational institutions across the State. Their activities are monitored and regulated by district-level committees headed by the District Collector.

The committee includes the Superintendent of Police, Chief Educational Officer (CEO), Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, District Nodal NSS Programme Officer, Joint Director of the Health Department, and the Member Secretary, Additional Superintendent of Police (CB-CID).

The ₹10 lakh village reward scheme is aimed at encouraging local communities to actively participate in drug-abuse prevention, awareness campaigns and efforts to create drug-free villages across Tamil Nadu.