DRIVING CHANGE: Shalini Rajneesh on Governance, Growth and Empowerment in Karnataka

In this exclusive interview, SHALINI RAJNEESH, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka speaks about the challenges, the strategies and her personal philosophy that guide her work

- By Ruhail Amin

You have recently taken very decisive steps to make Karnataka drug-free. What prompted this strong push?

The Chief Minister was deeply concerned about the younger generation getting caught in a vicious circle of drug abuse. He made it clear to police officials that every jurisdiction, regardless of whether officers belonged to the narcotics wing or not, must remain free of peddlers, consumers, and transit networks.

Building on that, we have created a multi-pronged strategy under the Chief Secretary-led committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The focus is not just policing—it involves schools, colleges, hostels, parents, and communities. We conduct screenings every six months in educational institutions and use kits for early detection. Those found vulnerable are directed either to rehabilitation or deeper investigation to identify root causes and supply chains.

We also run awareness campaigns, student committees, and community outreach. Alongside enforcement, we involve the drug controller, crack down on synthetic drug manufacturers, and take action against foreign nationals engaged in trafficking. It's not about booking fewer cases to look good; it's about institutionalising prevention and ensuring the truth is addressed.

Encouragingly, youth themselves are joining the campaign, and I believe a drug-free Karnataka is not just a dream but an achievable reality.

Another focus area for you has been aligning education with emerging job roles. What reforms have been introduced?