Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s activities to protect them from drugs, stressing that awareness in families and educational institutions is essential to combat both substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the state-level “Bell of Awareness” programme organised by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society on International Youth Day at Pragya Bhavan, Dr. Saha — who also holds the Health portfolio — said Red Ribbon Clubs must be increased in schools and colleges to spread awareness.

“I was happy to see that with the ringing of a bell, around 6,000 students joined the preventive awareness drive against AIDS today. But the rising HIV cases in the Northeast, including Tripura, are alarming. We now rank fourth among the eight NE states, which is a matter of grave concern,” he said.

The CM warned that drug use often begins casually but soon turns into addiction, eroding self-control. “Parents must monitor where their children go and what they do. Students should stay away from bad influences and inform teachers if necessary. We are working under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s vision of a drug-free India, and Tripura has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs,” he added.

Dr. Saha informed that awareness programmes will cover about 2,31,000 students from Class 8 to 12 in 1,187 government and aided schools. Additionally, 3,433 HIV/AIDS patients in the state are receiving a monthly assistance of ₹2,000 each.

Health Department Secretary Kiran Gitte, Education Special Secretary Raval Hemendra Kumar, NHM Mission Director Saju Wahid A., and other senior officials and doctors attended the event.