In a decisive move to safeguard students from addiction and create a healthy learning atmosphere, the Higher Education Department of Odisha has issued fresh orders making every government and aided private college campus and its 500-metre radius a strict drug-free zone.
The department has directed all college principals to personally conduct ground surveys of the area around their institutions and submit detailed reports by July 15 through the HIMS portal. The move follows earlier instructions and aligns with the National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) guidelines to build safe, drug-free educational environments across the state.
In a letter issued on Thursday and signed by Deputy Secretary Ramesh Chandra Behera, principals have been asked to physically verify whether any liquor shops, tobacco outlets, or points selling narcotics and psychotropic substances exist within the 500-metre radius of their colleges. If any such outlets are found, complete details — including name, address and other particulars — must be recorded and uploaded.
The directive clearly states that no shop or outlet dealing in alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, psychotropic substances or any other intoxicants should operate within this zone, in line with existing laws and government orders. Principals have also been told to provide necessary information about the surrounding areas as part of the compliance check.
Failure to submit the survey report within the stipulated deadline may invite further action, the department has warned. The Higher Education Department has emphasised strict implementation of the earlier instructions, making it clear that creating a secure and addiction-free space for students is now a top priority.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the easy availability of harmful substances near educational institutions and help protect thousands of young students from the dangers of substance abuse.
