JK News Today
JAMMU, May 10: BJP spokesperson for J&K UT Zorawar Singh Jamwal today demanded immediate introduction of drug awareness as important Topic in the curriculum at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels across all Government and private educational institutions in the Union Territory, saying it would help create a strong social movement against narcotics among the youth.
In an official handout issued here today, BJP Spokesperson, Zorawar Singh said the increasing involvement of young boys and girls in drug abuse has emerged as a major concern in Jammu and Kashmir and there is an urgent need to educate students at an early stage about the harmful effects of narcotics and the legal consequences associated with drug trafficking. He said students should be made “torch bearers” of society in the fight against drugs through structured education and awareness.
He alleged that despite repeated promises made in the National Conference’s Election Manifesto and commitments reflected in the Lieutenant Governor’s Address regarding complete eradication of the drug menace, the Government has failed to take concrete steps for introducing a dedicated drug awareness subject in schools. “The Government talks about eliminating drugs, but no serious effort has been made to include anti-drug education highlighting ill effects of Drug abuse in the academic curriculum,” he said.
Zorawar Singh Jamwal also criticized Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo for allegedly politicising the anti-drug campaign by claiming that there are more drug peddlers in Jammu while houses are demolished in Kashmir. He said such statements were unfortunate and factually incorrect. “Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting tough against drug peddlers and their sympathizers across the region without any discrimination,” he said, adding that police and other agencies are continuously conducting raids, arrests and property attachment proceedings in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The BJP leader asked Sakina Itoo to focus on policy measures instead of issuing political statements and urged her to take immediate steps for introducing drug awareness education in schools and higher secondary institutions. He also called for establishment of counselling centres in educational institutions, involvement of parents and teachers in awareness campaigns and strengthening of de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities across the Union Territory.
Zorawar Singh Jamwal said the fight against drugs cannot be won only through law enforcement and requires social participation, awareness and preventive education to protect future generations from falling into addiction.
