Governor calls for campaign against drug abuse

Governor Arlekar urges universities to combat drug abuse with support from Chief Minister Vijayan, unveiling new projects.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has called upon universities to launch a campaign against drug abuse.

He was addressing a Senate meeting of the University of Calicut as its Chancellor, on Saturday (March 22, 2025) on the university campus at Tenhipalam in Malappuram district.

Mr. Arlekar said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had extended his support for the project. Strict action against drug abuse, awareness activities, and surveillance using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and rehabilitation would be part of it.

The Chancellor, Senate members, and university staff wore blazers with ‘Say No to Drugs’ inscribed on them during the meeting. He stressed the need to participate in the campaign against substance abuse during his interactions with faculty members, students, and university staff.

Meanwhile, P.K. Khaleemudheen, convener of the Syndicate Standing Committee on Finance, presented the university’s budget for the next year. The estimated revenue is ₹721.39 crore, while the estimated expenditure is ₹752.9 crore.

Around ₹27 crore has been allocated for new projects, including a convention centre with a capacity of 1,000 people and the renovation of the C.H. Mohammed Koya Library. Other projects include a music school, shooting range, skating track, and the beautification of the golden jubilee open-air auditorium.

The Senate also approved 27,214 degrees.