DK District Tightens Vigil to Keep Campuses Drug-Free

In a renewed push to curb substance abuse in academic environments, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has ramped up efforts under the ‘Drug-Free Campus’ initiative across Mangaluru.

Though earlier directives mandated every school and college to establish Anti-Drugs Cells, authorities have revealed that compliance remains minimal. This has raised concerns that unchecked campuses could be breeding grounds for drug-related activities.

A recent review meeting chaired by District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao — attended by police and education department officials — stressed the need for coordinated efforts with medical, engineering, and higher education institutions to combat this rising threat.

While some institutions claim to have set up Anti-Drugs Cells, officials observed that these units are often symbolic. Several complaints are reportedly ignored or never escalated to law enforcement.

Pre-University Deputy Director Rajeshwari confirmed that all institutions have been instructed to remain alert. Each school is required to form an active Anti-Drugs Cell and closely monitor student behavior. Soon, schools and colleges will need to submit detailed reports on their compliance status.

Key Mandates for Institutions:

• Teachers must inform authorities if drug use or peddling is suspected.

Minister Rao identified some campuses as high-risk zones and has ordered a dedicated strategy meeting involving all educational institutions to tackle the issue head-on.