The Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) organised an awareness programme on drug abuse and anti-ragging on Saturday at Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University.
Dr Jitender, Director General of Police, said that the government has zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse and ragging. He explained the provisions
of the Anti-Ragging Act and highlighted the severe penalties for those found guilty.
“The government is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for students. I urge students not to hesitate in reporting any instances of drug abuse or ragging around their colleges. Your identity will be protected and prompt action will be taken.”
Burra Venkatesham, Principal Secretary, Education Department, highlighted the importance of sending a strong message to students, stressing that education is not just about academics, but also about character-building and responsible behavior.
Prof R Limbadri, Chairman, TGCHE, explained the vision of Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy to sensitise students in different institutions and universities by working together to make Telangana a drug-free society.
“In line with our Chief Minister’s vision, we must work collectively to create awareness and prevent drug abuse among students,” he added.
The TGCHE is also planning to create a toll-free number for drug and ragging related cases to be reported which will be forwarded to the police department.
Peer influence must change, says TGANB chief
Deepika Pasham
deepikapasham2015@gmail.com
n hyderabad
The rise in drug-related cases in Telangana is unpredictable. Despite the relentless efforts of officers working round-the-clock, cases and seizures continue to increase.
The real control lies with peer groups; if a child decides not to engage in harmful activities or promptly reports to the police, the number of cases could decrease, said Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) Director Sandeep Shandilya to The Pioneer.
“We have not detected new drugs entering into India but we have been cautious on the spread of any new varieties as we seized a new Meow Meow in the recent past. Few of the Rehabilitation centres are doing very well. The centres equipped with peer intervention techniques such as identifying a child who has just started and not become an addict are coming with positive results.”
The cop explained that both the genders, male and female, are consuming drugs and there is nothing restricted to one gender in particular. The spread of drugs has reached villages and the consumers are small children including minors in de-addiction centres.
“It is also awareness and this is the stage that anybody should work real hard. For example, OG Weed case at Symbiosis College, over 25 students were caught consuming the cigarette and it is the expensive Rs 3,500 for one. The question here is how are parents giving children this much money,” said the cop.
Nigerians are most of the accused responsible for transporting OG weed by hiding the quantity in bulk parcels such as DTDC, FedEX.
When asked how the accused, who already have cases against them, manage to secure bail and continue supplying drugs, Sandeep explained, “Many foreigners are keen to avoid deportation. For instance, in one case a woman filed an alleged rape case in the country so that she can stay in India, which would make it easier for her to continue her involvement in the drug trade.”
