Odisha Plans Drug-Free Zones Within 500 Metres of Schools, Colleges and Universities to Curb Substance Abuse
The Odisha government is preparing a comprehensive action plan to establish drug-free zones within a 500-metre radius of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities and hostels. The proposed framework includes regular inspections, dedicated monitoring committees, student awareness campaigns, complaint mechanisms and rehabilitation support.
In a significant move to tackle substance abuse among young people, the Odisha government is working on an ambitious initiative to create drug-free zones within a 500-metre radius of educational institutions across the state.
The proposed initiative seeks to protect students from the growing threat of drug abuse by strengthening surveillance, preventing the sale of narcotic substances near educational establishments and promoting awareness about the harmful consequences of substance dependence.
The initiative will cover schools, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, colleges, universities and other technical and professional educational institutions, along with their hostels.
A high-level meeting chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh (IAS: 1993: Odisha cadre) discussed the proposed framework and the administrative measures required for its effective implementation.
During the meeting, Higher Education Secretary Aravind Agrawal presented the action plan, outlining a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, students and government departments.
Key Features of Odisha’s Proposed Drug-Free Campus Initiative
The proposed framework envisages a combination of institutional monitoring, law enforcement and student participation to prevent the availability and consumption of drugs around educational establishments.
The major measures under consideration include:
500-Metre Drug-Free Zones: Areas within a 500-metre radius of educational institutions and their hostels will be brought under the proposed drug-free zone framework.
Institutional Committees: Every educational institution will establish Drug-Free Campus Committees and Mental Health and Wellness Committees to oversee prevention and awareness activities.
Appointment of Nodal Officers: Dedicated nodal officers will be designated to coordinate implementation, monitor compliance and facilitate communication with government authorities.
Student Ambassadors: Selected students will be encouraged to act as ambassadors for the initiative, promoting awareness and motivating their peers to avoid substance abuse.
Regular Inspections: Police and Excise Department officials will conduct periodic inspections and initiate legal action against those involved in the illegal sale of narcotic substances within designated zones.
Complaint Mechanisms: Information boards, complaint boxes and online grievance-reporting facilities will be introduced to enable students and citizens to report suspected drug-related activities.
Awareness Campaigns: Educational institutions will organise regular programmes highlighting the health, psychological, social and academic consequences of substance abuse.
Counselling and Rehabilitation to Complement Enforcement
Recognising that substance abuse requires a comprehensive response, the Odisha government intends to combine strict enforcement with counselling, medical assistance and rehabilitation.
Under the proposed framework, students identified as drug users will be encouraged to seek professional counselling, appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation services.
The objective is to address substance dependence through early intervention and support rather than relying exclusively on punitive measures. Educational institutions will also be encouraged to promote healthier lifestyles and constructive engagement among students through:
Yoga and physical fitness programmes.
Sports and recreational activities.
Cultural and extracurricular initiatives.
Life-skills education.
Regular awareness campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse.
The approach seeks to create an environment in which students receive both preventive education and access to professional assistance when required.
Monthly Monitoring and Drug-Free Campus Certification Proposed
To ensure accountability and consistent implementation, the government is also considering a structured monitoring and certification mechanism for educational institutions. Under the proposed arrangements, institutions will undergo regular inspections to assess their compliance with the prescribed standards.
The framework envisages the following measures:
Monthly compliance reports from educational institutions.
Periodic inspections to evaluate implementation.
Certification of eligible institutions as ‘Drug-Free Campuses’.
Separate guidelines to ensure uniform implementation across the state.
Chairing the high-level meeting, Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh emphasised the importance of coordination among the departments concerned, sustained monitoring and continuous awareness initiatives. He also stressed that counselling, medical treatment and rehabilitation must receive equal attention alongside enforcement measures.
Initiative Linked to Centre’s Drug-Free Youth Campaign
Odisha’s proposed initiative follows discussions during the ninth high-level Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) Committee meeting held on January 9, 2026, where the establishment of drug-free zones around educational institutions was taken up.
The proposal also complements the Centre’s broader campaign to prevent substance abuse among young people and encourage greater public participation in the fight against narcotics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ on August 2, 2026. The initiative marks the beginning of a 100-week nationwide campaign aimed at mobilising young people and communities against substance abuse.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also appealed to the youth to embrace the message, “Say no to drugs, say yes to life”. He has encouraged young people to channel their energy towards education, sports, yoga and social service rather than falling prey to substance abuse.
