In a bid to ensure drug-free campuses, the Delhi Directorate of Education has ordered all government, government-aided and recognised private unaided schools to roll out a standard operating procedure (SOP), including the formation of anti-tobacco committees and organising awareness programmes for students on a regular basis. As per a circular released by the Educational and Vocational Guidance and Counselling Bureau, the orders have been issued under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nasha Mukt Delhi Campaign to foster preventive education, early identification, counselling and referral services. In accordance with the directions, all the schools will have to form or strengthen an Institution Level Task Force (ITF)/Anti-Tobacco Committee, headed by the principal or head of school. The panel will comprise 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 tasked with planning, execution and surveillance measures to prohibit substance abuse and tobacco use. Schools have been instructed to hold 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 trained faculty during the 2025-26 academic session. The circular said that awareness and sensitisation programmes for teachers and parents must be hosted biannually, preferably in August and January. They should focus on prevention, early identification and available support services. said. The operating procedure also mandates referral mechanisms for students suspected of or identified as using substances. Identified students should be referred to health professionals, mental health experts or de-addiction services while upholding secrecy 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 have been asked to document minutes of committee meetings, Prahari Club activities, awareness programmes, life skills sessions, referrals and student participation. It added that an execution checklist must be submitted to the concerned district authorities every month. In addition, monitoring panels led by the Deputy Director of Education (District) will be set up at the district level. These will be responsible for carrying out surprise inspections, reviewing compliance reports, monitoring school activities and ensuring timely updating of information on the Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya portal. Deepali Samaniya has been covering education for the past 2 years with a passion for SEO and a knack for crafting engaging stories. She specialises in... View More