‘No Place for Drugs in Educational Institutions’: DGP C.V. Anand

Director General of Police CV Anand on Wednesday said the Telangana government is taking decisive steps to make all educational institutions completely drug-free, asserting that schools and colleges should have zero tolerance towards narcotics.

Anand chaired a high-level review meeting with Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (EAGLE) officials. “Educational institutions play a crucial role in molding responsible citizens and should ensure a safe drug-free environment. The government proposes to set up anti-drug and safety committees in all schools, colleges and other educational institutions across the state,” he said.

Anand said each institution should appoint a campus security coordinator to oversee student safety, anti-drug awareness programs, counseling initiatives and coordination with parents and law enforcement.

The DGP reviewed a detailed presentation by EAGLE officials on the proposed framework, implementation mechanism, monitoring system and operational guidelines for the committees. He suggested several amendments to strengthen the guidelines and directed the authorities to prepare a comprehensive framework containing recommendations.

Anand instructed the officials to consider the suggestions of the education department, experts and other stakeholders while finalizing the standard operating procedures and regulatory guidelines.

Reiterating the state’s zero tolerance policy towards drugs, the DGP warned that strict action would be taken against educational institutions found to be facilitating or ignoring drug-related activities. Where necessary, recommendations will be made to the competent authorities regarding the cancellation of their recognition.

He also directed the authorities to make anti-drug awareness programs mandatory during student admissions, employ psychologists and counselors, strengthen the involvement of parents, involve NGOs and conduct continuous awareness campaigns.

Anand said police, education and health departments will work in close coordination to implement an effective anti-drug strategy across Telangana.