PODA Initiative Launched: Corporate Employees in Kerala Face Dismissal for Drug Use
The State Police Department in Kerala has unveiled a significant new initiative, ‘Prevention of Drug Abuse’ (PODA), aimed at curbing drug misuse and associated violence among the youth, specifically targeting employees in both the private and public sectors. This landmark project mandates regular drug testing for young individuals joining private companies, as determined by the companies and the police administration.
Furthermore, upon joining service in either the private or public sector, candidates will be required to sign a mandatory pledge to avoid drug abuse. They must also consent to undergo drug tests at intervals specified by their employment terms. State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrashekhar announced in a press conference that if drug use is detected during these screenings, disciplinary actions, including dismissal, will be taken against the employees.
The PODA initiative will be rolled out in phases, beginning with the private sector through collaborative efforts with private enterprises. In a subsequent phase, with the state government’s approval, the scheme may be extended to government institutions as well. This move comes in response to a survey that highlighted a high prevalence of drug consumption among financially stable youth in Kerala, particularly within the 25-35 age bracket.
Studies have shown that the average age for entering government service through the Public Service Commission (PSC) is 33 years. Conversely, the average age for entering the private sector is considerably lower, with 98% of individuals under 30 employed in this sector. The police noted that the accessibility to substantial earnings at a young age in the private sector contributes significantly to drug abuse among financially stable youth aged 25-35 working in this domain.
To address this critical crisis, a cooperative endeavor is essential. The PODA project, designed as a policy intervention for India’s private sector, aims to bring about change by fostering corporate-led drug prevention efforts. The Kerala Police has already engaged in discussions with leaders from various private sector organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, G-Tech (Group of Technology Companies), FICCI, CII, YI, BNI, and KMA, regarding the implementation of the PODA initiative. These organizations have, in principle, endorsed the project. The scheme is slated to commence in the private sector starting January 2026.
As part of recent concerted actions against drug mafia and its supply networks, the State Police conducted a special drive named ‘Operation D-Hunt’. In 2025 alone, this operation registered 30,991 cases. Out of these, 349 cases involved the seizure of commercial quantities of drugs, 957 cases involved medium quantities, and 7,718 cases were related to small-quantity seizures.
The new initiative reflects the state’s resolve to combat the rising tide of substance abuse among its younger, working population, aiming to foster a healthier and more productive workforce. The collaborative approach with the corporate sector underscores a unified front against this societal challenge.