Indore Coaching Operators Demand Crackdown on Drug Menace Near Exam Centers
Coaching institute operators in Indore's Bhanwarkuan area have raised serious concerns about the easy availability of narcotics, particularly during peak exam seasons when student stress levels escalate dramatically. The allegations were made during a crucial district advisory committee meeting held on Monday, where operators explicitly requested a strict and immediate crackdown on drug peddling activities in the vicinity of educational hubs.
Administration Responds with Multi-Pronged Strategy
Addressing these pressing concerns, District Collector Shivam Verma directed officials to intensify de-addiction awareness campaigns and maintain heightened vigilance around educational institutions and coaching centers. The administration has launched a comprehensive pilot project called "Yaariyan – The Friends Club" specifically designed to address mental health, lifestyle, and general wellness issues among students preparing for competitive examinations.
Collector Verma emphasized the critical need for coaching institutes to provide a stress-free and positive environment for their students. "Students living away from home in hostels face significant mental pressure," he stated, urging institute operators to adopt a parental role and maintain regular, meaningful dialogue with their wards to monitor their well-being.
Support Systems and Monitoring Mechanisms Established
To bolster student support systems, the administration has introduced a dedicated helpline number 14416 for students to seek assistance and report grievances. Additionally, nodal officers have been appointed in government hostels to actively monitor student conditions and promptly resolve any issues that may arise.
The district administration's response includes:
- Enhanced anti-drug surveillance around educational institutions
- Expanded de-addiction awareness programs targeting student populations
- Implementation of the Yaariyan mental health initiative
- Mandatory stress-management protocols for coaching centers
- Strengthened grievance redressal mechanisms through helplines and nodal officers
This coordinated approach aims to create a safer, more supportive environment for Indore's student community while addressing the root causes of substance abuse during high-pressure academic periods.
