MSF writes to CM seeking inclusion of substance use prevention in school syllabus
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 28 2021:
Concerned over the drug related issues which are putting the future of Manipuris in jeopardy, the Manipuri Students's Federation (MSF) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Education Minister and Director SCERT seeking inclusion of drug use prevention in school syllabus.
MSF also enclosed recommendations of 'People's convention on incorporating drug use prevention in school syllabus' held at Imphal College this year on March 25 in its memorandum.
The convention was chaired by Prof N Rajmuhon, Dept of Chemistry, Manipur University and seven other experts in the field of clinical psychology, psychiatry, social activist, social scientist as panelists.
Many students and representatives of CSOs namely AMUCO, NRC (National Research Centre) and other student organisations also attended the convention, said MSF in the memorandum.
Drawing up from the recommendations of the said convention, the MSF in the memorandum urged the State Government to include core life skills listed by World Health Organisation in the school syllabus, teachings on 'menace of drug' from Class 5, lessons that reflect ill side of cultural practices/ritual practices that promote drug consumption, economic and cognitive impact of drug use, adverse consequences of drug uge including alcohol, opium, heroin, morphine, cannabis, sedatives, cocaine, tobacco etc.
MSF also urged the Government to provide students practical knowledge of drug menace relating to their own realities and help develop better life skills referring to National Curriculum Framework-2005 and to adopt guidelines that focus on correcting students rather than punishing them for drug abuse.
The student body also expressed hope that the State Government will look into the matter and do the needful.