Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday declared the drug epidemic a serious problem throughout the nation and pledged to create a “drug-free India” by the year 2047. He called for a “Team India” and “whole of government strategy” to combat the problem.
In the nation’s capital, Shah made the declaration during the opening ceremony of the first National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of States and Union Territories. The government, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is dedicated to ending the drug epidemic. By 2047, we shall have a drug-free India, Shah promised during his speech.
Shah called for a “whole of government and team India approach to the fight against the drug menace, keeping aside political differences. “Keeping aside our political differences, all the state governments and agencies need to come together to fight against the drug menace, Shah further said,” said Shah, adding, “We will have to adopt a top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top approach during the investigation of drug trafficking cases.”
The Home Minister clarified, saying “I want to tell you today that we are at such a juncture that we can win the battle against the drug menace”. “Those who consume drugs are the victims, and those who sell them are the culprits. Strict action should be taken against such people,” the Home Minister further added.
He also said that the fight against the drug menace is an international fight and it is not as easy, but he assured that “we will establish a new India by 2047”.