Telangana: Sentinel clubs to prevent drug abuse in schools

Hyderabad: To create a safe atmosphere in schools as well as to prevent drug abuse, the State government has issued orders to form Sentinel Clubs in all government and private high schools. The aim of the club is to keep children away from drug abuse and prevent drug sale in the areas around schools. According to orders issued by the Education Department on Friday, the club will be headed by the Headmaster or Principal of the school and the senior teacher or child-friendly teacher will be its Vice-President.

Two students in each class from class VI to X, a representative of the Parent-Teacher Association and a policeman from the local police station will be its members. The main objective of the club is to make the club members aware of children consuming drugs and substances and to be alert to any suspicious activity of drug or substance use and sale in and around the school premises. According to the order, more emphasis will be given in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissionerate areas and work will be done in collaboration with the Police Department and NSS volunteers.