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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Maharashtra Government's 'Drugs Free Mumbai' campaign, stating that it is a significant step towards creating an aware, empowered, and drug-free society for the youth. He underscored the importance of public awareness, family support, community participation, and the collective involvement of various institutions in realizing the vision of a Drug-Free India. Describing the energy and positive mindset of the youth as the strength of a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes for the success of the 'Drugs Free Mumbai' campaign. His message was read out during the inauguration ceremony of the campaign.

The 'Drugs Free Mumbai' campaign was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday at the NSCI Dome, Worli. The event was attended by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agrawal, Mumbai City Collector Aanchal Goyal, Mumbai Suburban Collector Saurabh Katiyar, along with several dignitaries from various fields.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a 'Drug-Free India', and to realise this vision, Maharashtra, including Mumbai, must become free from narcotic substances. India is a nation of youth, and drugs are being used as a tool to weaken the country from within. Therefore, there is a need for a united fight against the entire drug ecosystem. He appealed to citizens to report any sale of narcotic substances or related illegal activities in their neighbourhood to the police. The identity of informants will be kept confidential, and those providing useful information will also be rewarded.

Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has been appointed Chairman of the High-Level Committee for the Drug De-addiction Awareness Campaign. Addressing the gathering, he said that launching the 'Drugs Free Mumbai' campaign is an urgent necessity in the present times. India's enemies are conspiring to trap the country's youth in the grip of narcotic substances. Therefore, it is essential for young people to remain vigilant and collectively fight against this menace for the sake of the nation. Action against narcotic substances is underway across Mumbai and the entire State under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He further stated that, in line with the vision expressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking awareness to the grassroots level is the need of the hour to secure a brighter future for the youth.

Mangal Prabhat Lodha further said that the entire responsibility cannot be left solely to the Government or the police machinery. Every citizen, parent, teacher, and social organisation must contribute to this campaign. 'Drugs Free Mumbai' is not merely a Government initiative but a collective responsibility of society as a whole. A request had been made to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure the active participation of all sections of society in this campaign, and he accepted it positively, for which I express my gratitude to him.

Anti-national forces will continue their attempts to push young people towards drug addiction. Therefore, parental awareness and continuous communication with children are extremely important. 'Drugs Free Mumbai' is not a one-day campaign; this people's movement will continue until Mumbai becomes completely free from narcotic substances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched various schemes for the holistic development of the youth. Our objective is that young people choose the right path, acquire the right skills, and build a bright future for themselves and their families. Through the Skill Development Department, we are providing youth with various skills alongside education. Thousands of Skill Development Centres have been established across the State. These skills will make students employable. Our endeavour is also to transform employable youth into entrepreneurs. With this objective, the 'CM Mahafund' scheme will be launched from 15 August, with a target of providing financial assistance to one lakh students in its first phase, Mangal Prabhat Lodha said.

Appealing to all citizens, Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, "Every citizen should actively participate in this campaign to realise the dream of a Drug-Free Mumbai and come forward unitedly in the larger interest of society."

Committees for drug de-addiction awareness will be established in all schools and colleges across the State. On this occasion, the Training Manual prepared for training the members of these committees was also unveiled.

Under this campaign, various activities will be organised throughout the year at different levels. As part of this initiative, schools, colleges, counsellors, parents, and various social organisations in Mumbai will be brought together to create widespread awareness against narcotic substances. The primary objective of the campaign is to spread the message "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life" across all sections of society and inspire young people to adopt a healthy and responsible lifestyle.