Young Leaders Conclave 2026: Student Unions Urged to Build Drug-Free Campuses
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called on newly elected student-union representatives to help build drug-free campuses and strengthen student welfare. Addressing the Young Leaders Conclave 2026 at Kataka Indoor Stadium, the Chief Minister emphasised that winning student elections should be the beginning of responsible leadership, with elected representatives expected to address practical problems affecting students.
The conclave, held in October 2026, followed the revival of student-union elections in Odisha after a gap of nearly a decade. The return of campus elections has renewed attention on student participation, democratic representation and the role of student organisations in university and college administration.
Chief Minister Sets Priorities for Student Leaders
During his address, Majhi urged student representatives to work beyond electoral victories and focus on the needs of their fellow students. He highlighted academic concerns, hostel-related issues and the importance of creating a healthy educational environment.
He also called on the newly elected leaders to take responsibility for preventing drug abuse on campuses. Student unions, he indicated, should contribute to positive change by promoting awareness, encouraging responsible behaviour and helping institutions maintain safe learning environments.
The message places student representatives in a broader role than simply representing political or organisational interests. They are expected to communicate student concerns to college authorities, support campus development and help create an environment in which students can focus on education.
Student-Union Elections Return After a Long Gap
Student-union elections in Odisha had been discontinued in 2017. Their return in 2026 marked a significant development in campus politics, giving students a renewed opportunity to elect representatives and participate in institutional affairs.
Majhi described the peaceful and disciplined conduct of the elections as an encouraging sign of student participation. The conclave also highlighted the performance of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which secured a strong showing in the elections, according to local media reports.
With the election process completed, attention is now shifting towards what the newly elected representatives can deliver. Student concerns such as accommodation, academic support, campus facilities and safety are likely to remain important measures of their performance.
Why Drug-Free Campuses Are a Priority
Drug prevention has become an important part of discussions about student welfare across higher-education institutions. Substance abuse can affect health, academic engagement and relationships, making prevention and support services relevant to campus communities.
Effective campus initiatives can include awareness programmes, access to counselling, confidential routes for seeking help and collaboration between students, faculty members and university administrations. Student unions can support these efforts by helping communicate reliable information and encouraging students to seek assistance when needed.
The national Drug-Free Campus Campaign launched at the University of Delhi in January 2026 also called for collective action against substance abuse in educational institutions. The initiative included an online pledge platform and a mobile application intended to encourage student participation.
What Happens Next?
The key challenge for Odisha's newly elected student leaders will be translating the conclave's message into practical action. Addressing student complaints, working with college administrations and supporting campus-wide drug-prevention initiatives will require consistent engagement beyond the election period.
The conclave has set out expectations for student unions at a time when campus representation is returning to the forefront in Odisha. Whether these expectations lead to lasting improvements will depend on how effectively student representatives respond to students' everyday concerns and work with institutions to support a safe, inclusive and academically focused campus environment.
