Overview

• On July 9, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh chaired a multi-departmental review in East Delhi and mandated strict enforcement of a 100-metre tobacco sale ban near schools and colleges.
• Officials were instructed to intensify surveillance of identified dark spots, public parks and toilets where drug use is suspected to be prevalent.
• The minister called for vigilant monitoring of medical stores and other outlets to prevent legal products from being diverted for substance abuse.
• Universities were urged to set up Drug-Free Clubs and formally declare campuses drug-free, while schools were asked to appoint nodal officers and form student volunteer groups for sensitisation.
• The review also explored community interventions such as installing open gyms in parks, expanding skill development programmes, opening new de-addiction centres and running parent awareness campaigns.