Date: November 28, 2024
EAGLE Initiative: AP’s Bold Move Against Drug Menace
EAGLE: Nara Lokesh Proposes Educational Reform to Combat Drugs
Andhra Pradesh’s Education Minister, Nara Lokesh, has called for Eagle innovative strategies to address the growing menace of drug abuse among youth. Speaking at the third meeting of the ministerial sub-committee on drug control, Lokesh emphasized the importance of educating students on the perils of drug addiction. He proposed introducing a dedicated chapter on drug abuse and its adverse effects in school textbooks, aiming to create awareness from an early age.
EAGLE: A Game-Changing Task Force
As part of the fight against drugs, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed the restructuring of the existing Anti-Narcotics Taskforce into the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE). Headed by Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. This rebranded task force aims to intensify efforts against drug peddling and substance abuse in the state.
Lokesh suggested deploying drones to identify and destroy illegal ganja plantations. He also proposed forming EAGLE committees at the grassroots level in schools, colleges, villages, and ward secretariats to create a robust community-based monitoring system.
Tackling Ganja Cultivation: A Multifaceted Approach
To discourage illegal cultivation of ganja, Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani announced that seeds and fertilizers for alternative crops would be provided free of cost to tribal farmers. This initiative seeks to provide sustainable livelihood options and eliminate the economic dependency on drug cultivation.
Additionally, Lokesh proposed penalizing families involved in cultivating or selling contraband by withdrawing their benefits under government welfare schemes. This measure is aimed at dissuading involvement in illegal activities.
Learning from Other States
Highlighting the success of Punjab’s anti-drug campaigns, Lokesh urged the committee to study and adapt similar measures in Andhra Pradesh. He also stressed the importance of media campaigns featuring prominent influencers to encourage drug addicts to quit and rehabilitate.
Collaborative Efforts for a Drug-Free Future
The meeting, attended by ministers, DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, and senior officials, concluded with optimism. Public representatives expressed hope that these measures, when effectively implemented, would drastically reduce drug abuse in Andhra Pradesh.
The EAGLE initiative, combined with education, technology. Community involvement, is a step toward ensuring a safer and healthier future for the youth of Andhra Pradesh.