HED makes it compulsory for colleges to speak on drug addiction

Srinagar, Aug 11: Amid the growing menace of drug addiction among school and college students in Kashmir, the Higher Education department (HED) J&K has made it mandatory for the colleges to include a paragraph on the relevance of the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) and ill effects of drug addiction in the Independence Day speeches of Chief Guests or college Principals on August 15, 2024.

The move comes at a time when the authorities are battling against rising drug addiction among Kashmir students.

The decision to focus on drug addiction in these important addresses was prompted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Department.

The decision has been taken as a move to combat the growing menace of drug addiction among school and college students in Kashmir.

As already reported by this newspaper, various surveys and experts have revealed that the vulnerable age group (school and college students) has increasingly become the worst victims of substance abuse, leading to a widespread call for collective efforts to save the present generation from this menace.

As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the speeches are expected to emphasize the importance of the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign aimed at creating awareness and eliminating drug addiction.

The rise in drug addiction in Kashmir has become a pressing concern for educational institutions, with many students falling prey to this social evil.

"The inclusion of this critical issue in the Independence Day addresses is seen as a step towards sensitizing the youth and their families about the severe consequences of drug abuse and the need for collective efforts to combat this growing crisis," a college principal told Greater Kashmir.

Notably, the NMBA was launched by the Government of India on August 15 of 2020 which aims to create a drug-free society through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and strict enforcement of drug laws.

As per the communication issued by the Director Colleges J&K, the NMBA has been able to sensitize and educate 11.20 crore people including 3.54 crore youth, 2.35 crore women, 3.38 lakh educational institutions and over 9000 master volunteers through 3.10 lakh activities conducted at various levels across the country.

"As NMBA is entering its 5th year on August 15 of 2024, a set of activities have been curated which are to be conducted in all degree colleges across the UT," the official communication reads. IT reads that this year NMBA will be celebrated under the theme 'Viksit Bharat ka Mantra, Bharat ho Nashe se Swatantra'.

"On this occasion, all degree colleges/GCETs shall take part in a mass pledge against Drugs on August 13 of 2024 at 11:45am. All colleges shall have the Pledge ceremony in the campus with maximum students and staff participation," the communication reads.

As per the communication, the event will be connected virtually at divisional levels as well. "It is to be ensured that on Independence Day-2024, a paragraph on the relevance of NMBA is included in the speech of the Chief guest or Principal's address after hoisting of the National flag," the communication reads.