Agartala, June 15:
Expressing serious concern over the increasing trend of drug addiction among students, including even those studying in schools, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday urged teachers and district administrations to remain alert and identify behavioural changes among students at an early stage to prevent them from falling prey to substance abuse.
Addressing the official inauguration of the bicycle distribution programme for Class IX girl students at Sishu Bihar Higher Secondary School in Agartala, the Chief Minister said that drug addiction, which was once largely associated with colleges, has now even entered schools and has become a matter of grave concern.
“Teachers should closely observe students and immediately intervene if they notice any unusual behavioural changes,” Dr. Saha said, adding that he has already instructed District Magistrates and Collectors to regularly visit schools, inspect their functioning, monitor attendance and pay special attention to students’ welfare.
Regarding child marriage in which Tripura ranks among the top states, the Chief Minister Saha who also holds the School Education Department portfolio said: “We are concerned about it. I have mentioned earlier that in several districts there is a long-standing mindset among some people that if a girl is married off early, the family’s responsibility is somehow reduced but this is not the right approach.”
He added that from a medical perspective, early marriage can also create various physical health-related problems so the government has been continuously appealing that no girl should be married before the age of 18.
Saha said the to abolish child marriage the government has launched several schemes and initiatives to create awareness and prevent child marriage.
Meantime, stressing the importance of education in building a developed Tripura, the Chief Minister asked students to make proper use of the bicycles provided by the government and pursue their studies with dedication.
Saha, who also holds the School Education department portfolio, said the bicycle scheme was once a dream for many children, as owning a bicycle was difficult for many families in the past, but today the government is ensuring that girl students receive this support to continue their education.
Under the initiative, around 41,800 bicycles worth nearly Rs 20 crore will be distributed among Class IX girl students through 42 distribution centres across the state during the current academic year.
Since the introduction of the scheme in the 2013-14 academic session, around 2.53 lakh bicycles have been distributed with a financial outlay of Rs 85.41 crore.
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working to empower women and create opportunities for students to move ahead in different fields.
He highlighted that apart from bicycles, the government has also introduced a scootie distribution scheme under which 140 students are being provided scooties.
Encouraging students to develop self-confidence, Dr. Saha said that girls from Tripura have already shown remarkable abilities in various fields, including mock parliament programmes, and can achieve greater heights with determination and proper education.
He also advised students not to become completely dependent on artificial intelligence and digital technology despite the easy availability of information through smartphones and high-speed internet. Students should prepare lessons in advance, pay attention in classrooms and seek guidance from teachers whenever they face difficulties, he said.
Dr. Saha said the responsibility of building a developed Tripura and contributing to the vision of a developed India cannot be fulfilled by the Prime Minister, Chief Minister or ministers alone. Every citizen, especially the younger generation, must consider themselves responsible and work with dedication towards the progress of the nation.
Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, who is also a MLA, top officials of the Education Department beside students and teachers from various schools were present during the programme.
