Gurgaon: Haryana higher education department has directed all universities and colleges to implement stricter anti-drug measures. These include declaring a 500-metre radius around campuses as strictly monitored “drug-free zones” and introducing compulsory drug screening of students at the time of admission.Separately, to encourage reporting of drug use, a reward system has been introduced, offering Rs 500 for the first verified tip-off, Rs 1,000 for the second and Rs 1,500 for the third. Penalties for students found under the influence will escalate from a warning to fines of Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 for repeat offences.This follows recommendations made during meetings of the Narco Coordination Center earlier this year and calls for a comprehensive approach combining enforcement with counseling and rehabilitation.“The objective is not merely to punish but to ensure timely intervention and counseling for students who may be at risk,” the order stated.Institutions have been instructed to hold awareness camps and conduct voluntary medical check-ups, with a plan to make these mandatory over time.A key component of the initiative is the establishment of anti-drug awareness cells in every institution, coordinated by the NSS in-charge and supported by faculty members and student volunteers. These cells will conduct awareness drives, promote peer monitoring and check for the sale of tobacco or illegal substances on campus.The cells will also conduct random testing and physical checks, address complaints within 15 days and impose penalties, while referring offenders to in-house counselors or psychiatrists for mental health support. Screening will particularly focus on first- and third-year students as part of the state’s vision of building “drug-free colleges.”Additional measures include mandatory one-hour orientation sessions for new students and faculty, installation of anonymous complaint boxes and monthly parent-teacher meetings to sensitize families about drug-related issues, along with voluntary urine testing.
