Latest news with #Navchetna
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
From classrooms to communities: Punjab's multi-level plan to warn students about drug abuse
Chandigarh: In a renewed push under its state-wide anti-drug initiative, Yudh Nashian De Virudh, the Punjab school education department has rolled out a comprehensive strategy to implement drug de-addiction and awareness programmes in govt schools across the state. The move comes as the state govt prepares to launch the second phase of the campaign, which will focus on skill development, rehabilitation, and reintegration of affected youth. Experts have long raised concerns over the growing vulnerability of adolescents to drug exposure, and the shift underscores the state's emphasis on early intervention and community-based engagement. As Punjab transitions to this next phase, the integration of preventive education with rehabilitation and skill-building pathways is seen as a holistic approach to tackling the drug crisis. As part of the school-level intervention, the education department has directed all school principals and district education officers to appoint dedicated nodal officers responsible for coordinating anti-drug activities on campus. These officers will oversee the implementation of major programmes such as the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the Navchetna module, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) campaign, and the Buddy Programme. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo These efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Punjab Police and the state health department. The department has made it clear that these measures will be closely monitored and evaluated as part of a wider, state-supported strategy to combat substance abuse from the grassroots level. All schools have been instructed to maintain a dedicated register documenting the name and designation of the appointed nodal officer, their training status under the Navchetna module, and a record of all anti-drug activities conducted. These include awareness sessions, parent-teacher meetings (PTMs), and community outreach programmes involving local stakeholders. In addition to maintaining these records, schools are also required to submit weekly reports every Monday. These must detail key activities such as PTM-based awareness sessions, the involvement of Narcotics Anonymous and health department teams, coordination with local law enforcement, and the functioning of student Buddy Groups. The department has emphasised that these initiatives are not merely about procedural compliance but represent a fundamental shift toward cultivating a drug-free academic environment. Schools are being encouraged to actively engage students, parents, and teachers through interactive workshops, counselling sessions, and locally-driven awareness campaigns. Director SCERT, Kiran Sharma, said the objective is to raise awareness among students and steer them away from drugs. "A comprehensive, month-wise action plan has been drawn up, and its implementation is under way. The campaign will continue until Feb next year, with a special focus on sensitising students above the age of 15," she added. MSID:: 121993707 413 |
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
New Canvas: Walls that educate and engage, draw students to NMC schools
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is painting a new picture, literally, of public education. With an aim to make its schools more appealing, vibrant and inspiring, the civic body launched a beautification initiative under which school walls are being transformed with colourful, educational and creative artworks. These "talking walls", as they are being fondly called, are sparking curiosity among students and earning appreciation from parents. As part of preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 academic session, NMC is targeting quality enhancement and holistic learning. With use of bright colours and educational murals, the "talking walls" aim to create a positive and immersive environment for students from the very first day. Five schools underwent major aesthetic revamps and now have walls lined with paintings of aircraft, science labs, mathematical formulas, planets, wildlife, cartoons, alphabets and more. The walls do more than just decorate — they now engage, educate, and excite. The transformation happened under the guidance of municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari, and the leadership of additional commissioner Vaishnavi B, along with education officer Sadhana Sayam. It was funded by Western Coalfields Limited's CSR initiative and implemented through the Jichkar Foundation under the 'Happy School Project'. In recent years, student enrolment in NMC schools has steadily declined. The 2023-24 academic year saw primary enrolment drop from 8,427 to 6,495, and secondary enrolment from 5,789 to 4,879. Over the past five years, enrolment decreased by 2-5% annually, with a sharper 10-20% decline in 2024-25. The trend led to the closure of nine schools, including Priyadarshini Primary and Sheshrao Wankhede Secondary schools. Despite infrastructure upgrades and cultural initiatives, parents prefer private English-medium schools. In response, NMC launched English-medium schools and the 'Navchetna' campaign to attract students and improve facilities. Vaishnavi B interacted with the parents to encourage admissions in NMC schools. With improved Class 10 and 12 board results last year, the perception of municipal schools is beginning to shift, slowly, but positively. Apart from the visual appeal, many classrooms have been cleaned and equipped with better seating arrangements. Playgrounds have been spruced up to ensure a wholesome learning environment. Also, several NMC schools are introducing digital smart classrooms and activity-based learning modules. The focus is shifting from rote learning to holistic development. Initiatives are being taken to include sports, art & craft, music and regular use of school libraries in the daily schedule. Teachers are being trained to make learning more engaging, and the improved infrastructure is motivating them to deliver high-quality education. The goal is to reduce dropout rates, build stronger connections between students and schools, and instil a love for learning in every child walking through the school gate.
