Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UDN): Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg has directed all government departments and district administrations to organise the National Pledge Against Drug Abuse across the state on August 18, 2026, as part of the 6th anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA).
In an official communication addressed to Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, Revenue Divisional Commissioners, and District Collectors, the Chief Secretary called for coordinated efforts to ensure widespread public participation in the nationwide campaign.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to mobilise 10 to 12 crore citizens across the country to collectively pledge against drug abuse and reinforce the vision of a Drug-Free India.
The Chief Secretary instructed all departments to organise pledge-taking programmes in government offices and institutions under their jurisdiction at the state, district, block, and urban local body (ULB) levels to maximise participation and facilitate certificate generation for participants.
As part of the campaign, departments have been asked to conduct the National Pledge in schools, colleges, universities, private institutions, public sector organisations, and government offices across Odisha.
To ensure smooth implementation, the government has directed departments to appoint nodal officers at the state, district, and block levels. These officers will coordinate with the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) for planning and execution of the programme.
The state government has also set an ambitious target of covering at least 10 per cent of Odisha’s population through the pledge campaign.
Students, youth, women, government employees, and members of the public will be encouraged to take the e-Pledge through the official NMBA portal and download digital participation certificates.
The communication also calls for virtual participation by state and district headquarters and the extensive use of NMBA branding materials, including the campaign logo, mascot, and the national de-addiction helpline 14446, to enhance public awareness.
The Chief Secretary said any additional guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment would be communicated to the concerned departments for timely implementation of the campaign.