Assembly Bills Address Teen Health, Drug Abuse

The 16th and final session of Kerala’s 15th Legislative Assembly will begin on January 20. During this session, special attention is expected on two private members’ bills that deal with serious issues affecting the State’s youth. One bill focuses on providing free, rights-based mental health care for adolescents, while the other proposes compulsory drug testing along with strict punishment to control drug abuse.

These two bills highlight the growing public concern over mental health problems and rising drug use among young people in Kerala. The mental health bill aims to ensure that adolescents can access proper counselling and treatment without cost, and that such care is treated as a basic right. Supporters believe this could help address stress, depression, and other psychological issues faced by students and young adults.

The second bill seeks to tackle drug abuse by making drug testing mandatory in certain situations and introducing tough penalties for those involved in the use or supply of drugs. The proposal has sparked debate, with some seeing it as necessary to protect youth, while others have raised concerns about privacy and implementation.

The Assembly session will last for 32 days and will include the presentation and discussion of the 2026–27 State Budget, demands for grants, and other important legislative matters. As this is the final session before the next Assembly elections, it is expected to be politically significant, with major discussions on policy and governance.