J&K Drug Abuse Prevention: Sakeena Itoo Orders Comprehensive Anti-Drug Roadmap for Schools and Coaching Centres
SRINAGAR, May 22, 2026 — In a major push to combat the growing threat of substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo has ordered the immediate implementation of a comprehensive roadmap and grassroots awareness mechanism across all educational institutions and private coaching centres. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Itoo emphasized that early detection and a coordinated, society-wide response involving government bodies, schools, healthcare professionals, and parents are critical to safeguarding the region’s youth from narcotics.
As part of this multi-sectoral strategy, the Minister directed the education department to collaborate with law enforcement agencies for the immediate closure of all shops and commercial outlets selling cigarettes or tobacco products within the vicinity of schools and colleges. To maximize community outreach, she urged stakeholders to actively involve local religious leaders, including Ulemas and Molvis, as well as Masjid and Mohalla committees, in spreading awareness about the devastating impacts of drug addiction. Furthermore, health officials were instructed to expand accessible counselling and rehabilitation facilities to ensure affected individuals receive timely medical and psychological support without social stigma.
The high-level meeting brought together top administrative officials, including Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafeez, who outlined the administration’s “Whole-of-Government” strategy focusing on treatment, social reintegration, and sustained monitoring. Renowned neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan also addressed the forum, emphasizing the early diagnostic role of medical professionals and warning doctors to exercise extreme caution when prescribing psychotic medications to prevent accidental dependency. Representatives from civil society forums, private school associations, and coaching centre networks actively participated, offering collaborative solutions to establish completely drug- and tobacco-free campuses across J&K.