Aizawl: Officials in Kolasib and Serchhip districts on Tuesday held consultations on the draft Mizoram State School Drug Policy 2026, with discussions focusing on strengthening drug prevention, counselling and monitoring mechanisms in schools.
In Kolasib, a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner H. Dolianbuaia was held at the DC Conference Hall to discuss the draft policy aimed at protecting students from drug abuse.
Dolianbuaia said the proposed policy was important amid the growing prevalence of drugs among students and young people. He said the future of the state and community depended on the younger generation and stressed the need for clear rules and guidelines to protect students from substance abuse.
Superintendent of Police Lalrinpuia Varte said drug abuse often contributes to other forms of crime and harm, making the proposed policy important from a law enforcement perspective as well. He called for stronger security measures to prevent drugs from entering schools and greater cooperation between communities and the police to protect students from drug dealers.
The draft policy seeks to create safer and drug-free learning environments for students. It proposes measures to reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, while placing greater emphasis on education, support and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The policy notes that widespread drug use in Mizoram has been linked to school dropouts, crime and mental health concerns. It cites 2019 data showing that 58% of children aged 13 to 15 had used tobacco or alcohol, and seeks to address substance use among young people through preventive and early-intervention measures.
Among the proposed measures are life-skills education and interactive learning, early identification of students at risk of substance abuse, screening and counselling, and support for students affected by drug use. The policy also seeks to ensure that students receiving support or rehabilitation are not stigmatised and can continue their education, including by transferring to another school where necessary.
The draft proposes that every school establish an Anti-Drug Committee, which would meet at least once every three months. It also envisages coordinated action involving the School Education Department, Health and Family Welfare Department, Social Welfare Department, Excise and Narcotics Department, parents, churches and NGOs.
The policy is proposed to be aligned with existing laws including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, the Right to Education Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.
It also sets timelines for implementation. A training module for teachers is proposed to be developed within eight months of the policy’s publication in the Gazette. Every school would be required to have a Health and Wellness Ambassador or counsellor within one year, while the policy would be reviewed every five years.
Officials in Kolasib said suggestions and recommendations on the draft could be submitted to the District Education Officer for consideration.
The meeting was attended by District Education Officer Vanlalchhana, Senior Chief Medical Officer Dr RK Lalthlamuana, an Assistant Commissioner from the Excise and Narcotics Department, School Education officials and representatives of NGOs.
A separate consultation on the same draft policy was held at the DC Meeting Hall in Serchhip, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Paul L. Khuma and organised by the School Education Department.
SDEO Melody Betlu gave an overview of the draft, stating that it seeks to protect students from substance abuse, strengthen drug-prevention education in schools, promote mental health and healthy lifestyles, and empower students through various interventions. The policy also proposes stronger coordination among different government departments.
Participants examined the draft in detail and discussed areas requiring changes or additions. Several recommendations were forwarded to the State Level Committee for further consideration.
Khuma stressed the importance of beginning drug-awareness efforts at the family level and said parents should also be included in awareness programmes. He called for stronger school performance reviews and monitoring, comprehensive study materials and syllabi for drug-awareness programmes, and clearer linkages between schools and existing drug-control mechanisms such as the National Mental Health and Rehabilitation Board (NMBA) and National Coordination Committee for Drug Control (NCORD).
The meeting also discussed establishing Anti-Drug Committees or clubs that would allow students themselves to participate in drug-prevention activities.
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Participants called for dedicated trained professional counsellors to provide awareness programmes and counselling for students. Where there are insufficient personnel, a cluster-based approach was suggested so that counsellors could serve students across multiple schools.
The recommendations from the district-level consultation will be reviewed at the state level. During the meeting, it was also stated that if approved, the Mizoram State School Drug Policy 2026 would be the first school-specific drug policy of its kind in the country.
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