Samagra Shiksha official calls for joint efforts to prevent drug abuse among students

Samagra Shiksha State Project Director B. Srinivasa Rao on Wednesday emphasized the need for concerted efforts to prevent drug abuse among students.

Addressing the teachers, officials and experts from various fields who participated in the three-day state-level workshop on ‘Drugs Vaddu Bro’ initiative, organized by the Department of School Education under the aegis of Samagra Shiksha, Mr. Rao said that the proposed manual on drug abuse prevention should be designed innovatively rather than a conventional textbook, with the primary objective of creating awareness among students. He also emphasized the importance of developing information and education and communication (IEC) materials suitable for different groups of students.

“Children today are growing up in a completely different social, educational and digital environment compared to previous generations,” he noted, urging parents and teachers to understand children’s emotional and psychological needs and provide early guidance and support. He said education should not be limited to academics but should also focus on developing life skills, emotional regulation and decision-making skills among students.

The Samagra Shiksha official encouraged the effective use of digital media to spread awareness about drug abuse and its prevention in schools. He suggested that awareness activities should be done through classroom sessions, awareness campaigns, skits, parent meetings and other interactive programs. “Protecting current and future generations from the dangers of drug abuse is a shared responsibility,” he stressed, calling on teachers, parents, officials and employees of the School Education Department, the Ministry of Health, the police, industry experts and all parts of society to work together to build drug-free schools.

Planning Wing Director D. Madhusudana Rao, Program Coordinator and Nodal Officer V. Vijaya Durga, B. Suresh Kumar of State Institute of Education Management and Training (SIEMAT), officials from School Education Department, SCERT, Samagra Shiksha and others participated in the workshop.

Published – 01 Jul 2026 23:04 IST