In pursuance of the three-year Action Plan for Nasha Mukht Bharat, a joint advisory from the Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education has been issued to the Chief Secretaries of all States & UTs for implementation across schools in mission mode. Substance abuse among children and adolescents has emerged as a serious public health issue and social concern in the country.

 

The rising incidence of substance abuse was deliberated at the 9^th Apex Meeting of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) held under the Chairmanship of Hon. Union Home Minister Shri. Amit Shah, wherein it was emphasized that in the fight against drugs, all departments of the Government of India should prepare a roadmap upto 2029 and establish a time-bound review mechanism for its implementation. Recognizing the critical role of schools in sensitisation and awareness, an initiative has been taken in line with the directions issued during the 9th Apex Meeting of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), where it was emphasized that educational institutions must serve as a key platform for behavioural change and early intervention.

 

The three-year action plan, inter alia, incorporates provisions for declaring the area within a 500-metre radius of schools as drug-free zones, and mandates reporting of any violations by the school head /nodal teacher to the concerned local authorities, including the police, for appropriate action. The Action Plan adopts a holistic and convergent approach, encompassing sustained awareness and sensitization programmes, integration of preventive education within the school environment, capacity building of teachers and school heads, active engagement of students through peer-led initiatives, and the use of IEC interventions such as posters, signage boards for drugs free area and creative campaigns. It also envisages strengthened linkages with health systems, counselling support and local administration, supported by a clearly defined monitoring and reporting framework at school, district and state levels.

 

States and Union Territories have been requested to accord highest priority to the implementation of the Action Plan and ensure its dissemination across all Government and Private schools. They have also been advised to designate State and District Nodal Officers and establish robust monitoring mechanisms with convergence across relevant departments, including law enforcement agencies.

 

The initiative aims to create a safe, healthy and substance-free environment in educational institutions, ensuring that schools become the first line of defence against substance abuse among children and youth

 

The Ministry of Education has called for timely Action Taken Reports from States/UTs and emphasized close supervision at all levels to ensure effective implementation and measurable outcomes.

******

AK

(Release ID: 2245489) Visitor Counter : 209