Students to Sign Anti-Drug Declarations During Admissions

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to foster drug-free environments on higher education campuses in Odisha, the State Government has mandated that students sign anti-drug declaration forms upon admission to colleges and universities.

Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary to the Government, addressed a letter to the School & Mass Education Department, Higher Education Department, Skill Development & Technical Education Department, and Health Department outlining this initiative.

Citing the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s communication on the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) for Drug Demand Reduction nationwide, the letter emphasized the vulnerability of students and youth to substance abuse. A joint meeting on May 30, 2023, chaired by Secretaries of both the Higher Education and Social Justice and Empowerment Departments, established action points for higher educational institutions.

The Anti-Drug Declaration form, designed by the Ministry, is now mandatory for students during the admission process. The declaration binds students to refrain from any involvement with alcohol, tobacco, or psychoactive substances within the institute’s premises or during sponsored activities. This proactive step aims to create a secure and drug-free educational environment for students across Odisha’s higher education institutions.