Telangana Steps Up Anti-Drug Drive, Unveils Sports And Education Initiatives For Youth

The Telangana government on Saturday reinforced its commitment to building a drug-free society by organising a large-scale awareness programme at LB Stadium, where Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered an anti-drug pledge to thousands of students and urged them to become active partners in the fight against narcotics.

The event was attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy , Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka , ministers and public representatives. Students pledged to stay away from drugs, promote a healthy lifestyle and contribute to the state's mission of creating a drug-free Telangana.

The programme also featured the virtual inauguration and foundation laying of sports infrastructure projects worth ₹50.73 crore . The projects include the construction and upgradation of mini stadiums and sports facilities across several districts, along with the establishment of specialised training academies for young athletes.

Major projects include a ₹10-crore mini stadium at Kondurg in Rangareddy district , modernisation of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in Sangareddy at a cost of ₹10 crore, and new sports facilities in Narayanpet, Wanaparthy, Kamareddy and Medak districts. Sports academies for football, athletics, hockey and handball have also been launched at Gachibowli and LB Stadiums to nurture sporting talent among boys and girls.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the government was focused on identifying and nurturing talent while transforming Telangana into a leading education and sports hub . Marking the beginning of the new academic year, he launched the distribution of Young India Students Kits to residential school students across the state.

The Chief Minister said nearly 27.5 lakh students would receive the kits, which contain essential items to support learning and boost students' confidence. He noted that the state had allocated ₹26,600 crore , or 8.5 per cent of its budget , to the education sector, describing the expenditure as an investment in the future rather than a cost.

Revanth Reddy said the government had introduced nursery, LKG and UKG classes in government schools and implemented a comprehensive education policy covering students from nursery to Class XII. He also announced plans to establish a public school in every Assembly constituency and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve student welfare through breakfast, lunch and snack programmes, while exploring the possibility of free transport facilities in the future.

Calling Dr B.R. Ambedkar a guiding force for the nation, the Chief Minister expressed hope that many future leaders and scholars would emerge from Telangana's educational institutions. During the programme, meritorious students received educational kits, cash incentives and certificates of appreciation. The Governor and Chief Minister also launched the Anna-Akka Mentorship Programme , aimed at providing guidance and support to students through structured mentoring.