Overview On November 28, 2025 , Additional Superintendent of Police Nagesh presided over a district-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee meeting in Mysuru . The primary objective was to address the rapidly expanding network of narcotic drugs, their sale, and consumption within the district. The meeting emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among various officials to curb the supply of drugs and ultimately make the district drug-free. Key Directives and Recommendations Addressing Drug Availability ASP Nagesh highlighted the increasing availability of illicit substances, noting that previously, liquor sales were confined to the outskirts of villages, but now occur within the villages themselves. He warned that if the narcotic drug network is not controlled, it could infiltrate homes, emphasizing the need for public awareness and vigilance. Focus on Educational Institutions Recognizing the rising drug consumption among college students, ASP Nagesh directed officials from the Department of Collegiate Education , Department of Public Instruction , and Department of Pre-University Education to conduct awareness programs. These programs aim to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. He also advised the installation of CCTV cameras around college premises to monitor student movement and the display of banners highlighting the harmful effects of drugs around campuses. Measures for Hostels Officials of the Social Welfare Department were instructed to install CCTV cameras around boys’ and girls’ hostels and conduct regular inspections. Awareness programs on drug abuse are to be organized specifically for hostel students. Any suspicious activity near hostels should be immediately reported to the police. Reports of awareness programs conducted in hostels must be submitted to senior officials. Healthcare Sector Involvement District Health and Family Welfare Department officials are required to visit and inspect all hospitals under their jurisdiction. Hospitals are mandated to conduct awareness programs for the public on controlling drug abuse. Regulation of Medical Stores Drug control authorities are tasked with ensuring that medical stores do not illegally supply drugs. They are directed to take action against drug regulation violations, maintain a list of medical stores under their jurisdiction, and carry out surprise inspections, submitting reports of these inspections. Forest and Agriculture Department Responsibilities The Forest and Agriculture Departments must inspect villages and hamlets on the forest fringes to identify any cultivation of ganja (cannabis) and report their findings to the police. They are also required to conduct awareness programs in these hamlets on the harmful effects of drugs. Prison Oversight Surprise inspections must be carried out at the Central Prison and sub-jails in Mysuru district. Awareness programs should be organized for inmates, and necessary measures must be taken to ensure that narcotics do not enter the prisons. NGO Collaboration Mr. Nagesh appealed to the heads of NGOs to alert the police if they come across information about drug supply. Measures must also be put in place to prevent the sale of drugs in medical and engineering colleges. GST Department's Role Officials of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Department must monitor parcel consignments. If they detect drug trafficking through parcels, they must coordinate with the police to conduct raids, take necessary action, and submit reports. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly for GS Paper II (Social Justice, Health) and GS Paper III (Law and Order) . It highlights the government's efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking at the district level, involving multiple departments and stakeholders. The measures discussed, such as awareness programs, CCTV surveillance, and inter-departmental coordination, are important aspects of governance and social welfare. Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants Understand the multi-faceted approach required to tackle drug abuse. Analyze the roles and responsibilities of various government departments in curbing drug supply and demand. Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies, such as awareness programs and surveillance, in preventing drug abuse. Consider the ethical dimensions of drug regulation and enforcement.