CBSE & NCB Sign MoU to Combat Substance Abuse in Schools

News in Focus

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) signed an MoU to launch a joint initiative against drug and substance abuse among school children.
• The partnership will strengthen awareness, counseling, and preventive strategies in schools across India.

Key Highlights

1. Awareness Campaigns
   • NCB will conduct interactive workshops and sensitization drives in schools.
   • Students, teachers, and parents will be trained to recognize early signs of substance abuse.
2. Curriculum Integration
   • CBSE will integrate modules on life skills, health, and drug abuse prevention into school curricula.
   • Focus on building resilience and decision-making skills among adolescents.
3. Counseling Support
   • NCB and CBSE will create a support network of counselors and helplines for students.
   • Peer-education and student ambassador programs to encourage positive role models.
4. Capacity Building of Teachers
   • Special training modules for teachers to identify, address, and counsel at-risk students.
5. National-Level Impact
   • This MoU aligns with the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) emphasis on safe learning environments.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper II (Governance, Health, Education) – Role of statutory bodies, education boards, and inter-agency coordination.
• GS Paper III (Internal Security) – Measures against narcotics and psychotropic substances.
• Essay & Ethics – Role of education in preventive measures against social evils.

Possible UPSC Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the recent MoU between CBSE and NCB, consider the following:

1. It aims to integrate drug abuse prevention in school curricula.
2. It includes teacher training and student counseling.
3. It is part of the National Education Policy 2020.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

Mains Question (GS-II/GS-III)

Q. “Education plays a vital role in preventing substance abuse among youth.” Discuss the significance of inter-agency collaboration like the CBSE–NCB MoU in addressing this challenge.