The School Education Department has initiated a campaign to combat drug abuse by raising awareness among students, teachers, and parents. The campaign, focusing on prevention, aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle through educational programs and special events.
On October 18, a statewide Parents-Teachers Meeting (PTM) will be held across all government schools, engaging students, parents, and School Management Committees (SMCs). The highlight of the meeting will be the presentation of audio-visual content on drug abuse, prepared by the police department, to help illustrate the dangers of substance misuse.
In a directive issued by Kamal Kishore Yadav, Secretary of the School Education Department, schools have been instructed to organize awareness activities in the second and third weeks of October. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director has been appointed as the state nodal officer to supervise and coordinate the campaign.
The program will include lectures and presentations addressing the causes, effects, and preventive measures related to drug abuse. Schools have also been encouraged to invite social activists and intellectuals to engage with students and foster meaningful discussions on the issue.
Highlighting the significance of early intervention, a senior police official stressed the role of schools in educating students about the harmful effects of drugs. “The focus should be on prevention rather than treatment, as rehabilitation rates remain low worldwide. Schools play a critical role in shaping values and providing essential knowledge on health and well-being,” the official noted, as quoted by Tribune India.
This initiative is seen as a proactive step toward curbing drug abuse among young individuals by educating and empowering them to make informed choices. The School Education Department’s focus on collaboration with the police and community leaders is expected to amplify the campaign’s impact.