Frisking, CCTVs, vigilance made compulsory
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Sept 25: In a major move to curb rising cases of substance abuse among students, the School Education Department (SED) has directed all educational institutions to frame a Drug-Free School Policy and enforce strict surveillance measures, including frisking of students and installation of CCTV cameras.
The directives apply to all Government and private schools, as well as coaching centres and tuition institutes across J&K.
As part of the measures, frisking of students at the time of entry into school premises will be mandatory to prevent the carrying of prohibited or intoxicating substances.
Random frisking will also be carried out during school hours to ensure constant vigilance.
Schools have been asked to strengthen internal monitoring and surveillance systems, conduct regular inspections, and immediately document and address any suspicious behaviour of students.
“Every school must frame its own Drug-Free School Policy, clearly mentioning prohibitions, reporting mechanisms, and consequences for violations,” the SED stated.
Vigilance or disciplinary committees comprising teachers, parents and student representatives will also be set up, while both teaching and non-teaching staff will remain under monitoring.
The directives further make the installation of CCTV cameras mandatory in all schools and coaching or tuition centres, especially in vulnerable areas such as canteens and secluded corners.
The department noted that the alarming spread of drug abuse has reached schools, threatening the health and future of children.
“Such involvement not only endangers students but strikes at the very foundation and purpose of education,” the SED said.
Schools and coaching or tuition centres, it added, bear the crucial responsibility of shielding young minds from harmful influences.
Furthermore, as per the directives, establishments near schools, including tuck shops and other outlets, will also be closely monitored to “prevent harmful supplies.”
Each school must designate at least one teaching official as a trained counsellor and establish a counselling cell, the SED said.
Training for such officials will be provided in collaboration with SCERT, DIETs, and IMHANS.
A Drug Abuse Prevention Helpline will be set up at the Directorates of School Education, where cases of student abuse and negligence by school authorities can be reported for immediate action.
Schools have also been instructed to organise regular awareness sessions, seminars, and cultural activities on the ill effects of drug abuse, in collaboration with police, IMHANS, NGOs, and teacher education institutes.
Parent-teacher meetings in schools will now include discussions on educating parents about early signs of drug abuse and their role in prevention.
The department has stressed strengthening sports, cultural, and extracurricular activities to positively channel student energy.
Drug-Free or “Nasha-Mukt Clubs” will be formed in schools with active student participation.
School heads have been directed to maintain close liaison with local police authorities to ensure vigilance around premises and curb the availability of drugs.
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