In a landmark step toward safeguarding India’s youth, the Central Board of Secondary education (CBSE) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote drug-free schools and raise awareness on substance abuse. This partnership promises to reshape how schools approach student well-being, safety, and awareness.

Here are the 8 most important highlights of this collaboration:

1 A Landmark MoU for Student Safety

The MoU was signed at the CBSE Headquarters in Dwarka, New Delhi, by Anurag Garg (DG, NCB) and Rahul Singh (Chairperson, CBSE), in the presence of senior officials. The event marks a formal alliance between education and enforcement agencies to curb drug abuse from its roots — the school ecosystem.

2 Why Schools Are the First Line of Defence

Educational institutions are where young minds are shaped. Recognising this, NCB chief Anurag Garg stressed the critical role of schools in preventing substance misuse. He assured full support in conducting awareness drives, workshops, and counselling programs to empower students, teachers, and parents.

3 CBSE’s Strong Stand for Student Well-being

Rahul Singh, Chairperson of CBSE, highlighted the board’s unwavering commitment to student safety. He emphasised the importance of equipping schools with the knowledge, resources, and training needed to spot warning signs and intervene early, ensuring that children thrive in a supportive, drug-free environment.

4 Mental health Support Through Tele-MANAS

CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta reminded schools that academics alone are not enough. He advocated for holistic student care, pointing to initiatives like Tele-MANAS — a government program expanding access to mental health care across India. This integration of mental health and substance abuse awareness is expected to strengthen preventive strategies.

5 What the MoU Promises: A Comprehensive Plan

The agreement lays out a wide range of joint initiatives, including:

• Quarterly awareness programs in schools.
• Capacity-building workshops for teachers and counsellors.
• Digital e-modules on drug prevention.
• Community outreach programs.
• Counselling services for students and parents.

This structured approach ensures that prevention goes beyond classrooms and involves the entire school community.

6 Pilot Program in 100 Schools

The MoU will roll out a pilot initiative in 100 CBSE schools. Using a hub-and-spoke model, the impact will later be expanded to a larger network of schools. This phased approach ensures measurable results and scalable strategies.

7 Powerful Awareness Sessions for Educators

The MoU signing was followed by a mega awareness program, attended by over 500 principals, counsellors, and wellness teachers. Sessions included:

• “Leadership for Empowering the school Ecosystem” by Ashutosh Agnihotri, IAS, CMD of FCI.
• “Refuse the First Dose, Secure the Future” by Dr. Anees C., IRS, Deputy Director, NCB, focusing on early intervention and communication strategies.

These talks provided practical frameworks for educators to guide students away from substance misuse.

8 Shared Vision: Drug-Free, Supportive Schools

The program concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where school leaders engaged directly with experts. Concerns were addressed, and real-life solutions were shared. Both CBSE and NCB reiterated their shared vision of building a safe, healthy, and resilient school ecosystem where students can make positive life choices free from the shadow of drugs.

 Final Word: Protecting the Future, One school at a Time

The CBSE–NCB partnership isn’t just about rules — it’s about empowering students, training educators, and involving parents in a united fight against substance abuse. By combining education, awareness, and enforcement, this initiative ensures that schools remain sanctuaries where young minds can grow without fear, pressure, or harmful influences.

With this MoU, india takes a giant leap toward a drug-free generation, proving that when institutions collaborate, students win.

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