Lucknow: UP govt has come up with a comprehensive action plan to integrate anti-drug awareness into students’ daily academic lives. The initiative is part of CM Yogi Adityanath’s effort to support drug-free India campaign.Under the initiative, a brief anti-drug pledge lasting 30 seconds to one minute will be administered before commencement of classes. Officials said the move is aimed at building a strong negative perception of substance abuse while promoting healthy and responsible lifestyles among students.Reviewing the state-wide drug de-addiction campaign, higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyay on Wednesday said higher educational institutions would play a crucial role in shaping a generation that views drug-free living not merely as a campaign but as a core social and moral value.The minister directed that faculty members deliver at least one awareness lecture every week on the harmful effects of drugs and the benefits of a drug-free life. HEIs have been asked to designate a specific day each week for such sessions to ensure sustained engagement.To strengthen implementation, universities will appoint nodal officers, while similar officers will be designated at college and faculty levels. The higher education department will monitor the campaign regularly and seek reports on inspections and anti-drug measures already undertaken by institutions.Special emphasis will be placed on student hostels. Upadhyaya has asked authorities to maintain strict vigilance over items brought into hostels and conduct surprise inspections. In addition, the campaign, said Upadhyaya, will focus on awareness, counselling, and behavioural change.The campaign will also encourage active student participation through essay, story, painting and poster competitions, expert lectures and awareness programmes. Short anti-drug padayatras will be organized within university and college campuses, while posters, hoardings and wall writings will be used to spread the message widely.
