Training to tackle drug abuse

Programme to be introduced in 1,000 DEd colleges

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri announced the initiative here on Monday while launching a series of programmes as part of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, which is on June 26.

The Department of State Education and Research Training (DSERT) will partner with the Karnataka State Temperance Board to train teachers on how to get the anti-drug message across to children. The Board is currently training DEd students at 25 colleges, and the programme will be adopted by the DSERT.

“I have already directed the DSERT director to get the details of the programme from the Temperance Board and extend it to 1,000 DEd colleges across the State,” he said.
According to Temperance Board Chairman Sachidananda Hegde, there are nearly 15 lakh to 20 lakh drug abusers in the State.

“Out of them, 10 lakh consume drugs such as heroin, cocaine, brown sugar, and ganja”, he said. Drugs were not the only source of intoxication, children were resorting to inhaling fumes from burning plastic, whiteners, and petrol to get a high, said Hegde.

Kageri also announced that textbooks, currently under revision, will include a chapter on the ill-effects of drugs. “I have already asked the textbook committee to include a chapter for the revision due next year,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that the government has adopted a series of proposals to improve the health of students. “We recently mandated the formation of health clubs across high schools in the State. We have directed nearly 14,000 schools to begin the process,” said Kageri.

The Board has organised activities for 10 days from June 15. It will conduct special awareness programmes in each district.