Srinagar, Sep 25: The School Education Department (SED) has issued strict instructions to all the government and private schools besides the coaching centres for adopting preventive measures to control the substance abuse in and around the educational institutions.
The circular instructions in this regard have been issued by the Secretary SED, Ram Niwas Sharma stating that the grave menace of drug abuse was alarmingly spread across the society.
“Even school going children are falling victims to this destructive practice. Such involvement not only endangers the health and future of our students but also strikes at the very foundation and purpose of education,” the circular reads.
Secretary SED said that schools and coaching centres as places of learning and character formation, bear the crucial responsibility of shielding young minds from these harmful influences and in nurturing them into responsible healthy citizens.
In view of this, the administrative department has recommended deterrent measures mandatorily for implementation in all government and private schools besides coaching centres across J&K UT.
“Teachers and other staff members shall conduct frisking of students at the time of entry into the school premises to prevent the carrying of any prohibited substances,” SED circular reads.
In addition, random frisking must be carried out during school hours to ensure constant vigilance.
“Schools shall frame their own drug free school policy, clearly mentioning prohibitions, reporting mechanisms and consequences for violations. Disciplinary committees shall be constituted in each school comprising teachers, parents and student representatives to ensure drug free and safe atmosphere in schools,” it reads.
Secretary SED has said that besides monitoring of suspicious teaching as well as non teaching staff shall also be put in place.
“Mandatory installation of CCTV cameras shall be ensured in all schools and coaching centres. Identification of vulnerable areas such as canteen and secluded corners in and around schools and coaching centres to be placed under strict and continuous monitoring,” the SED circular reads.
It reads that close vigilance over nearby establishments including tuck shops and other outlets located in the vicinity of schools and coaching centres must be ensured as they may act as “potential source of harmful supplies.”
Secretary SED has issued strict instructions for all the schools to designate at least one teaching official as a trained counselor to deal with cases related to drug abuse besides having a counseling cell in schools as well.
As per the circular instructions, both the directorates have been asked to organise training programmes besides establishing a drug prevention helpline at Directorate level as well.
“Cases of student abuse and negligence by school authorities shall be reported directly to the helpline which will in turn forward such cases to concerned agencies for immediate action,” it reads.
“Schools must strengthen sports, cultural and extracurricular activities channelise student energy in constructive directions,” it reads.
The heads of the schools have been asked to maintain close liaison with the local police authorities to ensure vigilance around school premises and curb the availability of drugs near schools.
“HoIs must send monthly compliance reports to the cluster heads who in turn shall report to CEOs for inward submission to the Directorate,” it reads.
As per the SED circular, all the CEOs and ZEOs have been asked to ensure strict implementations of preventive measures in letter and spirit.
“Any laxity found on part of schools and coaching centres will invite disciplinary action against all staff members. In case of private schools, such lapses may also lead to de-recognition of the schools,” it reads.
The directions have been issued in the “best interest of safeguarding health, education and future of students.”
