The Department of School Education has directed all Middle, High, and Higher Secondary Schools, both government and private, functioning across Nagaland to constitute ‘PRAHARI Clubs.’ These clubs, aimed at creating “Awareness on the Bad Effects of Drugs and Substance Abuse in Human Life,” are to be established in line with the guidelines outlined under Section 6 of the “Joint Action Plan on Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and Illicit Trafficking.” The plan has been developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Government of India, and follows the government directive issued on 3rd July 2024.
The ‘PRAHARI Clubs’ are to comprise 20-25 students selected from Classes 6 to 12 and will operate under the supervision and guidance of a Teacher-in-Charge, chosen for their integrity and responsibility. Each club is tasked with conducting at least two awareness activities annually. These activities may be integrated into existing programmes under the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
In addition to raising awareness, the clubs are mandated to sensitize their members to be vigilant about instances of children using drugs, being involved in trafficking, or any suspected activities relating to the use or sale of drugs and substances in and around school premises. Members of the club are expected to report any such information to the Teacher-in-Charge, who will escalate the matter to the School Head for further action.
To facilitate the effective functioning of these clubs, school heads have been advised to download a copy of the “Joint Action Plan on Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Children and Illicit Trafficking.” The document is available on the DoSE Online Educational Services Portal (https://dosenl.in) for reference and implementation.