Drug awareness should be made part of school curriculum: Jammu Kashmir lawmakers

October 28, 2025 by News Desk

The Jammu Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a heated discussion on the growing menace of drug addiction, with lawmakers demanding immediate steps to counter the crisis, especially through schools and colleges.

Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the government has launched a coordinated effort involving multiple departments to tackle substance abuse through awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation programmes. She added that drug awareness has been integrated into the school curriculum and that regular sessions will be held during morning assemblies to sensitise students early.

National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq stressed that schools must play a central role in the fight against drugs. “Drug awareness should be made a compulsory subject, and every class must have a designated teacher to educate students about the dangers of addiction,” he said, urging the government to institutionalise awareness at every level of education.

The minister said de-addiction and rehabilitation centres were already operational across districts and that outreach programmes were being conducted in schools, colleges, and local communities.

The Health Department, she added, is committed to expanding awareness campaigns and improving inter-departmental coordination to protect youth from drug abuse.