
The educational institutions in Odisha are set to become drug-free with a new directive encompassing both students and lecturers. The Odisha Assembly Standing Committee, led by Chairman Bhupinder Singh, has recommended to the state government that individuals, including students and lecturers, must submit anti-drug declarations.
Singh explained, “We have suggested the Odisha government to ensure that students submit an undertaking of anti-drug declaration before enrolling in educational institutions. We have urged the implementation of the same norm for lecturers in the state.” The Committee’s proposal extends to lecturers in Plus 2, Plus 3, and Universities, aiming to maintain substance-free educational campuses.
Addressing the prevalent issue of drug addiction in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Singh emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach. Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) took a step towards addressing this concern by recommending the implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E).
The UGC advised educational institutions to take institutional-level actions to raise awareness within the campus and its vicinity. This involves engaging faculty, NSS volunteers, student clubs, and other stakeholders through regular interventions and activities focused on preventing substance abuse.