Anti-drug affidavits will soon become mandatory for students: Bindu
Higher education institutions will soon insist on sworn affidavits from students to affirm their commitment against drug use. The declarations, which will also be applicable for freshly admitted first-year students, will have to be co-signed by their parents or guardians.
These will be mandated as part of an action plan formulated by the Higher Education Department as part of its efforts to intensify its 'Bodhapoornima' awareness programme aimed at combating substance abuse.
A slew of State-wide events will be organised in connection with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that will be observed on June 26.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu said anti-drug pledges will be administered across all higher education institutions as part of the observance.
The State-level observance will be inaugurated by the Minister at the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram. Later in the day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally launch the State-wide campaign to mark the beginning of a year-long anti-drug initiative in college campuses across Kerala.
All institutions have been instructed to prepare master plans for a drug-free campus, Dr. Bindu said.
ASAAD (Agents for Social Awareness against Drugs) Sena, a volunteer force formed under National Service Scheme (NSS), will lead awareness efforts in campuses. Vimukthi clubs will also be formed in all campuses in association with the Excise Department.
Prior to the campaign launch, a training programme for nodal officers will be held on Wednesday. The event will also include a declaration of 99 out of 101 polytechnic colleges as 'green campuses' under the Haritha Keralam Mission.
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