Concerns Raised Over Himachal's Youth Policies and Anti-Drug Campaigns
Prof. Anupama Singh Questions Government's Approach
Calls for transparency on ₹900-crore startup fund, emphasizes need for a solid employment strategy for youth in Himachal
Munish Sood
Mandi
Prof. Anupama Singh has expressed her concerns regarding the state government's anti-drug initiatives, particularly the involvement of schoolchildren in rallies and marathons. She argues that such awareness campaigns should not interfere with students' academic responsibilities.
In her statement, Prof. Singh highlighted that while addressing drug abuse is a shared societal duty, engaging schoolchildren in public events at the cost of their education raises significant issues. She questioned whether schools were being pressured to ensure student participation in these activities and criticized the use of educational institutions for political purposes.
Drawing a comparison to the tale of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, she warned against involving children in mass events without considering their educational needs. She urged the government to prioritize the future of children over organizing public demonstrations.
Prof. Singh also raised broader concerns about the government's youth policy, specifically seeking information about the ₹900-crore startup fund aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in the state. She demanded clarity on how the funds are allocated, utilized, and the number of young entrepreneurs who have benefited from this initiative.
She questioned what tangible opportunities had been created for unemployed youth through this initiative and how many aspiring entrepreneurs were still waiting for support.
Additionally, Prof. Singh voiced her worries regarding the closure and merging of government educational institutions, stating that such actions jeopardize access to education in the region. She called for a definitive policy to enhance employment generation, industrial investment, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
Regarding the state's plans for lottery regulation and the proposed licensing for cannabis cultivation for medicinal and scientific purposes, she sought clarification on the anticipated economic advantages for farmers and youth, as well as the measures in place to prevent misuse.
On the escalating drug issue, Prof. Singh asserted that awareness campaigns and public events alone would not yield sustainable results. She advocated for rigorous action against international and interstate drug trafficking networks, enhanced surveillance, dismantling of supply chains, and targeting the financial networks that support illegal activities.
She emphasized that an effective anti-drug strategy should also focus on providing quality education, employment, sports facilities, skill development, counseling, and rehabilitation services for young people.
Clarifying her position, Prof. Singh stated that her objection was not against the anti-drug campaign itself but rather the way children were being involved in these initiatives. She stressed the need for the government to tackle the root issues facing youth rather than limiting efforts to awareness campaigns.
“Young people require more than just slogans; they need real employment opportunities, meaningful growth avenues, and the assurance of a secure future,” she concluded, urging the state government to develop a concrete plan for the youth of the state.