Children should become frontline fighters against drug abuse, says CM

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the addiction to drugs was a deadly scourge that destroys wisdom, friendship, and knowledge.

He was speaking after inaugurating the State-level anti-drug campaign implemented by the Department of General Education at Cotton Hill Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

The action plan to be implemented against drug abuse in all schools in the State was launched on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Children should become the frontline fighters against drug abuse, he said. The State government has put in place many measures against drug abuse that students are unaware of. The action plan has been formulated taking note of this and to address this lacuna.

Teachers are responsible for creating awareness and exploring the possibilities of dissuading the students from drug addiction. For this purpose, special training programs are also being provided to teachers, said the Chief Minister.

Parents should also play a major role in ensuring that their children do not fall into the trap of addiction. They should spend more time with their children and interact with them in a healthy way along with monitoring their changes. Since not all parents may be equally capable of this, special training will be provided for parents to empower them, said the Chief Minister.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has prepared a special book to help maintain a healthy lifestyle for children. A Prahari Club has been formed to monitor drug-related activities. Further, the Jagratha Brigade, comprising 30 to 50 students from selected schools, is coordinating anti-drug activities. Community discussions against drugs will also be organised.

Complaints received through this platform will be addressed once a week under the leadership of the head teachers. The General Education department has designed this year’s action plan beginning on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.and ending on January 30, 2026.

The Chief Minister also requested teachers, parents, and the general public to participate in this action plan along with students to bring about a change