The Odisha government is planning to declare the 500-metre radius around educational institutions and their hostels across the State as drug-free zones as part of a comprehensive initiative to protect students from substance abuse. The proposed measures will cover schools, industrial training institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, colleges, universities, and other technical and professional educational institutions under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.The initiative aims to curb the availability and sale of narcotic and other intoxicating substances around educational campuses while creating a safer environment for students. The proposed framework will combine enforcement measures with awareness campaigns, counselling, mental health support and rehabilitation facilities.A meeting to discuss the implementation strategy was held at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh.Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department Aravind Agrawal, Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy and senior officials from the Health, School and Mass Education, Skill Development and Technical Education, Home, Special Task Force, and CID-Crime Branch departments attended the meeting.
Odisha proposes drug-free campus committees and student ambassadors
During the meeting, the Higher Education Department presented a proposed action plan outlining the measures required to implement the drug-free zone initiative across educational institutions.The plan includes the formation of Drug-Free Campus Committees and Mental Health and Wellness Committees to strengthen institutional monitoring and provide support to students. Educational institutions will also be required to appoint nodal officers to coordinate preventive activities and oversee the implementation of the proposed guidelines.The government has also proposed selecting student ambassadors from among students to encourage peer participation in awareness campaigns. Their involvement is expected to help institutions communicate the risks associated with substance abuse and promote responsible behaviour among young people.
Regular inspections planned around educational institutions
Preventing the sale and distribution of narcotic and other intoxicating substances within campuses and their surrounding 500-metre areas will be a major component of the proposed initiative.Regular inspections will be conducted in coordination with the Police and Excise Departments to identify and prevent violations. Authorities will initiate legal action against individuals found selling or distributing prohibited substances in the designated areas.The proposed action plan also includes installing information boards on campuses to communicate the drug-free zone guidelines. Complaint drop boxes and online grievance mechanisms will be introduced to enable students and other stakeholders to report suspected violations.Educational institutions will also organise monthly awareness programmes to educate students about the health, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse.
Focus on counselling, rehabilitation and student engagement
Alongside enforcement, the Odisha government plans to strengthen preventive and rehabilitative support for students affected by substance abuse.The proposed measures include encouraging participation in yoga, sports, cultural activities and life-skills education. These activities are intended to provide students with constructive engagement opportunities and promote healthier lifestyles.The action plan also places emphasis on counselling, medical treatment and assistance through de-addiction centres. Students struggling with substance dependence will be encouraged to seek professional support and access appropriate treatment and rehabilitation services.The emphasis on mental health and wellness committees is also expected to provide institutions with a structured mechanism to identify concerns and facilitate timely intervention.
Monthly compliance reports and drug-free campus certification
The meeting also discussed mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the proposed initiative across educational institutions.Regular inspections and monthly compliance reports will be used to assess whether institutions are following the prescribed measures. The government has also proposed introducing a ‘Drug-Free Campus’ certification for institutions that meet the required standards.A dedicated set of guidelines will be prepared to define the responsibilities of educational institutions and concerned departments. These guidelines will also establish a framework for monitoring compliance and ensuring that the initiative is implemented effectively across the State.
Odisha government calls for coordinated action to protect students
Addressing the meeting, Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh said that young people represent the future of the country and the State, and protecting them from substance abuse is a collective responsibility.He stressed that the government, educational institutions, parents and society must work together to prevent drug abuse among students. He also called for stronger coordination among the departments concerned, regular monitoring and sustained awareness campaigns.Singh emphasised that enforcement alone would not be sufficient to address the problem. Counselling, medical treatment and rehabilitation support must receive equal attention to ensure that individuals affected by substance abuse can access the help they need.The proposed initiative is expected to bring educational institutions, enforcement agencies and health authorities under a coordinated framework to prevent substance abuse and promote drug-free learning environments across Odisha.
