Kohima, April 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), in compliance with a directive from the Narcotic Control Bureau under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has instructed all educational institutions to “formally declare” their premises and the surrounding areas within a radius of 500 meters as “Drug-Free Zones.”
To effectively implement the directive, all schools have been directed to display signboards and awareness materials prominently at entry and exit points and within the campus. The NBSE has also asked institutions to facilitate screening and voluntary testing of students and staff in coordination with authorised health departments, in a phased manner before entry into the institution, “ensuring confidentiality and respect for individual dignity.”
Schools must provide access to professional counselling for those identified as at “risk or affected” by drug use, and facilitate timely referral to appropriate rehabilitation services with a focus on prevention and support rather than punitive measures. Regular awareness programmes, workshops, and campaigns on the harmful effects of drug abuse are to be conducted for students, teachers and staff.
A designated committee shall be formed in each institution to monitor compliance and report progress periodically to the concerned authorities. The NBSE has requested all heads of institutions to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines and take proactive steps to create a safe, healthy and drug-free educational environment. “This may be treated as urgent and of high priority,” the notification added.
