Report on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s Address on Combating Drug Abuse in Educational Institutions

Accountability of Educational Institutions in Drug Abuse Prevention

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy emphasized the critical role of educational institutions in preventing anti-social activities, particularly drug abuse, around their campuses. He stated that the managements of schools and colleges will be held directly responsible for any such activities occurring in their vicinity.

He urged educational institutions to:

1. Closely monitor student behaviour.
2. Ensure campuses remain drug-free zones.
3. Maintain vigilance through collaboration with all stakeholders.

Revanth Reddy warned that failure to address drug presence near campuses would be considered a management failure, and legal action could be initiated against negligent managements.

Responsibilities of Parents and Educational Institutions

Speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event held at Shilpakala Vedika, the Chief Minister highlighted the shared responsibility between parents and educational institutions in safeguarding children from drug abuse.

• Parents are encouraged to maintain vigilance over their children.
• Schools and colleges bear greater responsibility due to the significant time children spend on or near their premises.
• Educational institutions must acknowledge their role beyond academics, especially considering the high fees collected and the trust placed in them by families.

Government Initiatives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), the government has taken proactive steps to combat drug abuse:

• The Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) has been rebranded as EAGLE (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement).
• EAGLE is a specialized unit tasked with detecting and eradicating ganja cultivation and drug trafficking.

These initiatives contribute to creating safer educational environments and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth, supporting the broader objectives of sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Focus on reducing substance abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Ensuring safe and drug-free educational environments.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Strengthening institutions to prevent illicit drug trafficking and related anti-social activities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective for all.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 3.5:
   • Prevalence of drug abuse among students in educational institutions (implied through monitoring student behavior and drug presence).
   • Number of drug-free campuses reported or certified.
2. For SDG 4.a:
   • Number or percentage of educational institutions with drug-free policies and active monitoring.
   • Incidence of anti-social activities including drug abuse in and around educational campuses.
3. For SDG 16.1 and 16.4:
   • Number of cases filed against educational institution managements for negligence related to drug abuse.
   • Effectiveness of specialized units like EAGLE in detecting and destroying drug cultivation and trafficking.
   • Reduction in illicit drug trafficking incidents reported.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: en.etemaaddaily.com