MSF Protests at SCERT, Seeks Drug Prevention Education in Manipur Schools
Imphal, Manipur: The Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) staged a protest demonstration outside the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) office at Lamphel on Monday, urging the state government to introduce Drug Use Prevention Education as a compulsory subject in schools.
Carrying placards and raising slogans, members of the student body called on the Government of Manipur and SCERT to develop a dedicated curriculum and syllabus on drug prevention, publish textbooks on the subject, and integrate comprehensive drug awareness education into the state’s school system. The protesters also demanded the inclusion of the World Health Organization (WHO) Core Life Skills framework in the academic curriculum.
Among the key demands put forward were the preparation of a structured syllabus on drug use prevention, publication of textbooks, inclusion of drug education in the formal education system, introduction of the subject from Class V onwards, and incorporation of WHO-recommended Core Life Skills into school education.
Addressing the media during the protest, MSF President Hijam Roshan said Manipur’s geographical location near the Golden Triangle and along the proposed Trans-Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway corridors has increased the state’s vulnerability to narcotics trafficking. He alleged that the widespread availability of drugs has had a severe social impact, affecting families across the state.
The federation noted that despite the implementation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, substance abuse continues to remain a major challenge in Manipur. It also recalled the historic “Nisha Bandh” movement led by women against drug and alcohol abuse, stating that stronger preventive measures through education are now essential.
MSF urged SCERT, which is currently preparing the State Curriculum Framework (SCF) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, to include Drug Use Prevention Education for students from Classes III to VIII.
The organisation also appealed to the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM), and the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM), to introduce drug prevention education as a textbook subject for students of Classes IX to XII.
According to the federation, educating children and adolescents about the dangers of substance abuse at an early age is crucial to protecting future generations. It maintained that strengthening education, awareness, and life skills in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 would play a vital role in building a healthier and more responsible society.
