Telangana schools directed to submit anti-drug declarations

The Telangana government has directed schools to submit anti-drug declarations confirming preventive and awareness measures on campuses. Intermediate students will also submit anti-drug undertakings from 2026–27 as part of efforts to curb substance abuse and promote safe educational environments.

Hyderabad: In a move aimed at preventing drug abuse, besides strengthening awareness, schools across the State have been directed to submit declarations detailing the anti-drug measures being followed in their school premises.

The anti-drug declaration to be submitted by the school headmaster/principal must affirm that necessary awareness, prevention, monitoring and reporting measures are being taken at the school level for prevention of drug abuse among students, and maintaining a safe, healthy and drug-free environment.

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A proceeding mandating an anti-drug declaration has recently been issued by the School Education Department. The declaration form will be available in the ISMS portal under the headmaster/principal login.

The schools have already constituted Prahari Clubs, which are aimed at weaning away children from drug abuse, besides stopping the sale of drugs selling in the surrounding areas.

Two students per class from Classes VI to X, one representative of the parent-teacher association and one police personnel from the local police station have been nominated to the clubs.

The Telangana Board of Intermediate Education has also recently mandated submission of an anti-drug declaration from students from the academic year 2026-27. Students should declare that the possession, use, sale and distribution of alcohol, tobacco, and any psychoactive substances are wrong and harmful.

The declaration also states that consumption, possession, or trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is a criminal offence under the NDPS Act, 1985, punishable with rigorous imprisonment and fine.