Delhi schools directed to implement SOP for drug-free campuses, form anti-tobacco committees

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Directorate of Education has directed all government, government-aided and recognised private unaided schools to implement a standard operating procedure (SOP) for creating drug-free campuses, including setting up anti-tobacco committees and conducting regular awareness programmes for students.

According to a circular issued by the Educational and Vocational Guidance and Counselling Bureau, the directions were issued under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nasha Mukt Delhi Campaign to promote preventive education, early identification, counselling and referral services.

As part of the directions, every school will have to constitute or strengthen an Institution Level Task Force (ITF)/Anti-Tobacco Committee, headed by the principal or head of school. The committee will include a nodal teacher or Prahari Club in-charge, Health and Wellness Ambassador, School Management Committee member, student representative and a local police representative.

It will be responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring measures to prevent substance abuse and tobacco use. The circular also directed schools to strengthen their Prahari Clubs, which will function as school-level Nasha Mukt Delhi Clubs and organise regular preventive and awareness activities throughout the academic session.

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Govt asks schools to conduct life skills education programmes

Schools have been asked to conduct life skills education and awareness programmes for students of Classes VI to XII under the NAVCHETNA Life Skills Module. The module will be conducted between the 15th and 17th of every month through teachers trained during the 2025-26 academic session.

Awareness and sensitisation programmes for teachers and parents will also have to be organised at least twice during every academic session, preferably in August and January, with a focus on prevention, early identification and available support services, it said.

The SOP further requires schools to establish referral mechanisms for students suspected of or identified as using substances. Such students should be referred to appropriate health professionals, mental health experts or de-addiction services while maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that they are not stigmatised.

The circular called for strict compliance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, besides other applicable government guidelines.

Schools will have to maintain records of committee meetings, Prahari Club activities, awareness programmes, life skills sessions, referrals and student participation. An implementation checklist will also have to be submitted to the concerned district authorities every month, it read.

At the district level, monitoring committees headed by the Deputy Director of Education (District) will be constituted. These committees will conduct random inspections, review compliance reports, monitor school activities and ensure timely updation of information on the Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya portal, it added.