Odisha To Extend Anti-Drug Measures to Lecturers in Educational Institutions

Bhubaneswar: In a proactive move, Odisha is set to extend its anti-drug measures from students to lecturers in educational institutions across the state. The Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education has recommended that lecturers in +2, +3 and Universities be required to submit anti-drug declarations. This initiative aims to create drug-free campuses, responding to the pressing challenge of drug addiction among the youth.

Previously, the state government mandated students to sign anti-drug declaration forms during admission to higher educational institutions (HEIs), including public universities and government or non-government-aided colleges. The recent recommendation from the Assembly panel suggests extending this rule to lecturers as well. Committee Chairman Bhupinder Singh emphasized the objective of maintaining drug-free environments within educational institutions.

The move aligns with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) directive to HEIs to address the growing issue of drug addiction among students. The anti-drug declaration aims to secure a commitment from students for responsible behaviour during their academic pursuits. This initiative falls under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).

Principal Secretary Bishnupada Sethi highlighted the vulnerability of students and youth to substance abuse, emphasizing that more than 3.3 crore youth have actively participated in NMBA activities. The anti-drug declaration form, devised by the Ministry, includes commitments from students to refrain from carrying, selling, and consuming drugs, tobacco products, and alcohol within educational campuses. Additionally, students are encouraged to report any instances of substance use or sale to the authorities.