Drive launched to make Bidar addiction-free district

A consultative meeting was organised by the Bidar Nagarika Sanmarga Samiti (BNSS) on curbing social evils in Bidar on Friday.

Addressing representatives of various organisations and members of civil society, BNSS president Abdul Khadeer said the committee had resolved to work towards making the district addiction-free and to curb begging and social discord.

He said youth committees would be constituted in every village under the guidance of elders as part of the initiative. The increasing prevalence of tobacco, cigarette and alcohol consumption, excessive mobile phone use and begging had emerged as serious social concerns, he observed.

Mr. Khadeer expressed concern that people in the age group of 25 to 30 were experiencing health problems owing to substance abuse and mobile addiction. Many were squandering money, jeopardising their future, putting a burden on their families, he said.

Freeing young people from harmful and destructive habits was essential to building a strong and healthy nation, he added.

Basavaraj Malge, honorary president of the Backwards Classes Federation, said awareness campaigns were being conducted across the district against social evils. With the cooperation of all sections of society, he said all-out efforts would be made to make Bidar an addiction-free district.

BNSS secretary Ashok Wadgave said social evils impede both individual growth and societal progress and must be effectively addressed. Suresh Chanashetti, president of the district unit of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, described the campaign as a positive step towards building a healthy society.

The samiti would also distribute pamphlets on the harmful effects of addiction and launch door-to-door awareness drives.