Mahabubabad Collector Emphasizes Collective Action Against Drug Abuse and Child Marriages

Mahabubabad District Collector and Magistrate Sneha Shabarish has called upon communities across the district to shoulder responsibility in tackling the dual challenges of substance abuse and child marriages.

Speaking at a district-level Praja Palana Pragathi Pranalika meeting held Friday at PSR Convention Hall in Mahabubabad, Shabarish emphasized the need for collective action as part of the government's 99-day action plan. The gathering began with the Telangana State Anthem followed by a reading of the Chief Minister's message.

The venue hosted multiple information stalls showcasing initiatives spanning double-bedroom housing, oil palm cultivation, agriculture, industries, health services, Indian Red Cross activities and handloom enterprises.

Governance and Welfare Focus

The Collector underscored the Telangana government's commitment to transparent governance that prioritizes citizen welfare. She noted that the administration has prioritized economic empowerment of disadvantaged communities.

Shabarish highlighted that all pension applications submitted during the Praja Palana programme have been digitised, with processing to follow once government clearance is obtained.

In terms of housing initiatives, Mahabubabad district has achieved the sixth position statewide in Indiramma Housing construction progress. The Collector expressed confidence that remaining targets would be completed expeditiously.

The district also secured fifth place in state-level SSC examination results, prompting officials to redirect focus toward Intermediate and vocational education programmes.

Agricultural and Environmental Initiatives

The Collector encouraged farmers to diversify their crops and explore oil palm cultivation, organic farming, sericulture and horticulture. She promoted the adoption of nano urea as a means to enhance soil fertility and boost farm income.

Shabarish cautioned against excessive chemical fertiliser application, particularly urea, citing potential damage to soil health.

Preparations for Vanamahotsavam environmental protection programmes are underway, scheduled to run from June 1 to 12.

Drug Prevention and Child Marriage Crackdowns

District authorities have established dedicated teams focused on curbing the distribution of ganja and other narcotic substances. Awareness initiatives targeting youth addiction prevention are ongoing.

The Collector warned of stringent penalties for those engaged in drug trafficking and distribution activities. Surveillance operations continue across the district to identify and prevent child marriages.

Officials have committed to taking decisive action against those perpetrating child marriages. Shabarish stressed that educating girls and facilitating women's economic independence would strengthen both families and society.

Employment and Skill Development

The government is actively providing skill development training and employment opportunities to jobless youth. Approximately 6,000 unemployed individuals have registered with the district employment office.

The Collector urged students to enrol in vocational training programmes upon completing Class 10. Under DRDA and MEPMA schemes, authorities have approved interest-free loans exceeding ₹659 crore to numerous Self Help Groups.

Welfare Schemes and Awareness Campaigns

The Collector reviewed progress across multiple welfare initiatives including Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Houses, Gruha Jyothi, Mahalakshmi Scheme, Cheyutha, Kalyana Lakshmi, Shaadi Mubarak and free breakfast schemes spanning pre-primary through Intermediate education.

The 99-day action plan encompasses sanitation drives, health awareness campaigns, road safety programmes, anti-narcotics initiatives, child marriage prevention efforts, farmer welfare events and youth sports activities.