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CISCE asks schools to declare campuses drug-free amid concerns
CISCE has asked schools to say that their campuses are free from drugs and tobacco.
The request is part of a government plan covering areas within 500 metres of schools.
Schools must put up signs showing their commitment to a safe and healthy environment.
Many schools use cameras and check bags to stop students from bringing substances inside.
They also teach children about the dangers of drugs through talks, plays and campaigns.
Some schools have found students carrying vapes.
School leaders say they can control what happens inside their gates.
However, they say local authorities must handle shops and activities outside school grounds.
CISCE has asked affiliated schools to certify themselves as drug-free and affirm a safe, healthy learning environment.
The request follows a Union government action plan covering educational institutions within a 500-metre radius.
Schools must display approved drug-free signage at entrances, outside premises and within campuses.
Schools report using CCTV, awareness campaigns, random bag checks and student performances to prevent substance use.
Several principals said schools can control their premises but cannot enforce restrictions on nearby shops and roads.
- Who
- The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, the Ministry of Education and CISCE-affiliated schools.
- What
- Schools have been asked to certify themselves as drug-free and display approved signage while participating in prevention efforts.
- Where
- At educational campuses and within a 500-metre radius, including schools in and around Calcutta.
- When
- The ministry communication was dated 9 September 2026, and the related action plan runs from 2026 to 2029.
- Why
- To promote safe, healthy, tobacco-free and drug-free learning environments.
Schools’ responsibilities and limits
Government’s drug-free campus goal
Control beyond school grounds
Schools’ responsibilities and limits
Schools say they can supervise their campuses and educate students but cannot monitor or enforce rules on nearby roads and shops.
Government’s drug-free campus goal
The government action plan seeks drug-free educational institutions within a 500-metre radius, requiring cooperation beyond the school gates.
Displaying drug-free signage
Schools’ responsibilities and limits
Some principals are uncomfortable with posters because they believe signage could draw unnecessary attention to drugs and tobacco.
Government’s drug-free campus goal
CISCE says prominent signage visibly affirms a school’s commitment to a safe, healthy and drug-free learning environment.
Prevention strategy
Schools’ responsibilities and limits
Schools emphasise awareness, parent involvement, bag checks, CCTV and student activities to prevent substance use.
Government’s drug-free campus goal
The action plan and CISCE circular emphasise formal certification and visible compliance alongside prevention efforts.
Key facts
- Issuing body
- Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
- Government department
- Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Coverage
- Educational institutions and areas within a 500-metre radius
- Action plan
- Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya Action Plan, 2026-2029
- Required signage
- Approved drug-free school signs at entrances, outside premises and within campuses
- School measures
- CCTV monitoring, awareness campaigns, random bag checks and anti-addiction activities
- Reported limitation
- Schools said they cannot control tobacco sales and other activity outside their premises
Quotes
Gargi Banerjee
Principal of Sri Sri Academy.
“We can take preventive measures and speak to our students about not taking tobacco or drugs, which we do internally, but we cannot enforce our will outside. That is the responsibility of the local administration, and the school has no means to control it.”
telegraphindia.com
“We don’t even allow teachers to smoke, and there is a clear instruction to them that they shouldn’t smoke in the school’s vicinity”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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