The Odisha Higher Education department has instructed all government and non-government aided colleges in the state to conduct physical checks of the areas around their campuses. They are required to report on the presence of shops selling narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicating substances within a 500-meter radius. This directive is part of the National Narcotics Coordination mechanism and aims to establish a safe, healthy, and drug-free environment for students.
College principals have been tasked with ensuring compliance with the regulations by physically inspecting the vicinity of their institutions. They are expected to provide the necessary information through the HIMS portal by July 15. The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free educational setting and enforcing relevant laws and guidelines to prevent substance abuse.
In response to rising concerns about drug and tobacco usage among students, the Odisha government has implemented various measures to combat substance abuse. The recent directive to college principals forms part of a broader state campaign to address drug and tobacco consumption among youth and enhance preventive actions within educational premises. This proactive step is anticipated to enhance surveillance around higher education institutions and bolster efforts to uphold drug-free campuses in Odisha.
