On the occasion of World Drug Prevention Day observed on June 26, pledge taking and prize distribution ceremony was held on the last day of ‘A War Against Drugs’ campaign in all the schools across the State.

As a part of the Sankalp Sabha, the children took a pledge against the use and consumption of intoxicants and narcotics. A prize distribution ceremony was also held where district level officials rewarded the children.

The mega campaign against consumption of drugs was started by the Jharkhand Education Project Council under the School Education and Literacy Department Government of Jharkhand on June 18. As a part of the campaign, the children participated in a rally in the neighbouring areas around the schools to create awareness against drug abuse. On June 18 school children showcased their ideological talent through various activities and competitions. On June 22 the children took out a Phabhat Pheri across the State while on June 25 they gave a strong message against drug abuse through a cycle rally.

As per the instructions received by the Central School Education and Literacy Department, the Jharkhand Education Project Council has issued directives to build a ‘Tobacco Prohibition Complex’ in all the schools across the State and also within a radius of 100 meters. Under this, it will be prohibited to set up any kind of tobacco shop in the school premises and also in a radius of 110 meters while messages against drug abuse will also be painted on the walls.  In this, selling of tobacco products near educational institutions will also be prohibited.

As per the directive, a provision to impose a fine for spitting after consuming tobacco in the premises or within its limits will also be levied. This will also create awareness against drug abuse in the common man. This initiative will be closely monitored by Jharkhand Education Project Council.