Latest news with #NationalServiceScheme
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
NSS amasses ₹4.5 crore for Wayanad disaster rehabilitation
National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers under the Higher Education department have mobilised ₹4.5 crore as the first phase of funding to construct houses for the victims of the Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad on July 30, 2024. The fund will be handed over to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Kannur on June 30. The next phase of the campaign will begin on July 1, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu said at a press conference here on Friday. In the aftermath of the devastating landslides, NSS units across the State had launched vigorous fundraising initiatives including waste paper challenge, biryani challenge, art exhibitions, food fairs, Onam fests and product sales. The volunteers also helped collect and distribute essential items, educational materials, laptops and mobile phones for the affected students in Wayanad through campaigns such as 'Back to School/College'.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Anti-drug affidavits will soon become mandatory for students: Bindu
Higher education institutions will soon insist on sworn affidavits from students to affirm their commitment against drug use. The declarations, which will also be applicable for freshly admitted first-year students, will have to be co-signed by their parents or guardians. These will be mandated as part of an action plan formulated by the Higher Education Department as part of its efforts to intensify its 'Bodhapoornima' awareness programme aimed at combating substance abuse. A slew of State-wide events will be organised in connection with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that will be observed on June 26. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu said anti-drug pledges will be administered across all higher education institutions as part of the observance. The State-level observance will be inaugurated by the Minister at the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram. Later in the day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally launch the State-wide campaign to mark the beginning of a year-long anti-drug initiative in college campuses across Kerala. All institutions have been instructed to prepare master plans for a drug-free campus, Dr. Bindu said. ASAAD (Agents for Social Awareness against Drugs) Sena, a volunteer force formed under National Service Scheme (NSS), will lead awareness efforts in campuses. Vimukthi clubs will also be formed in all campuses in association with the Excise Department. Prior to the campaign launch, a training programme for nodal officers will be held on Wednesday. The event will also include a declaration of 99 out of 101 polytechnic colleges as 'green campuses' under the Haritha Keralam Mission.
India Today
19-06-2025
- India Today
Kerala to kick off drug abuse awareness campaign on World Anti-Drug Day
The Kerala government is stepping up its fight against drug abuse with a large-scale, state-wide campaign aimed at building a drug-free a set of programmes aimed at ending the drug menace across various sections of society, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, said that the fifth phase of the anti-drug campaign will be launched on June 26, in line with the International Day Against Drug Abuse. The campaign will run until January 30, events marking the International Day will be held across Kerala, led by elected representatives. At the college level, a special programme will be launched simultaneously in campuses across the state, with the support of ministers, public figures, NGOs, and artists, Vijayan said. Residents' Associations will play a key role through a new initiative titled 'My Family is a Drug-Free Family'. Awards will be given at the taluk level to those associations that succeed in turning the maximum number of households drug-free within three months, he rallies will be held in schools and colleges, organised by National Service Scheme, Student Police Cadets, and anti-drug clubs. The Local Self-Government and Education Departments will also conduct school parliaments at the high school and higher secondary levels, with the theme: Drug-Free, Safe School: A Child's government offices will observe the day by taking an official pledge at 11 campaign is backed by strong enforcement. The Chief Minister said between June 10 and 16, under Operation D-Hunt, over 13,700 people were checked, 730 cases registered, and 769 arrests made. Nearly 25 kilograms of cannabis and 378 grams of MDMA were seized. Additionally, 274 source reports related to drug activity were handed over to district police chiefs, Vijayan June 8 to 14, the Excise Department seized 19.9 kg of cannabis, 20.7 g of MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly), and 0.6 g of methamphetamine (popularly known as crystal meth), registering 238 cases and arresting 221 persons, he General Education Department is actively working to protect students from the dangers of drug use. Schools are conducting awareness programmes, peer support groups, and training sessions for teachers and parents. Topics related to drug abuse have been added to the curriculum, with a special focus on adolescent education. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has developed new books to promote healthy living, he announced.'Teachers are being trained to spot signs of drug use and violent behaviour among students. Anti-Narcotic Clubs are operating in schools with support from the Excise Department, and selected schools have formed vigilance brigades made up of student groups,' Vijayan discussions and student-led activities are also being held through various initiatives. To develop students' creativity and personal growth, a campaign titled 'Jeevithotsavam 2025' (Festival of Life 2025) will be conducted over 21 days, ending with a state-level integration carnival.'Schools have been asked to review complaints weekly and take action where needed. Teachers have also been introduced to fitness routines such as Zumba to promote physical well-being among students,' the Chief Minister bodies and community groups across the state are also playing a strong role in raising awareness. The Kozhikode District Panchayat is set to organise a mass pledge event on June 26, involving 20 lakh people under the campaign 'Drug-Free Kozhikode'. The 'Against Drugs, Kattakada' campaign, led by students in the Kattakada constituency, recently completed its first phase with a massive human chain involving local residents, Vijayan noted.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- The Hindu
Kerala to intensify campaign against drug abuse
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a slew of programmes as part of intensifying the State's campaign against drug abuse. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr. Vijayan said the government will mark June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the State-level launch of the fifth phase of its comprehensive anti-drug campaign. The campaign, which will run until January 30, will involve a wide array of public participation and awareness activities. District-level inaugurations will be held under the leadership of elected representatives. A special programme titled 'The Way of Inspiration' will be simultaneously held in all colleges across the State. Ministers, people's representatives and film personalities will participate in the programmes. A community-level initiative, 'My Family, a Drug-Free Family', will also be launched through residents' associations. The initiative aims to encourage families to commit to a drug-free lifestyle. Associations displaying the best performance in terms of outreach and impact over the next three months will be awarded at the taluk-level, the Chief Minister said. Awareness rallies will be organised in schools and colleges by the National Service Scheme, Student Police Cadets units and anti-drug clubs. School Parliaments will be conducted at the high school and higher secondary levels to highlight the theme 'Drug-Free, Safe School - Children's Right'. Besides, At 11 a.m. on June 26, all government office heads across the State will administer an anti-drug pledge to employees. As part of 'Operation D-Hunt', the police have screened 13,700 individuals between June 10 and June 16. As many as 730 cases have been registered, and 769 suspects arrested. The seized contraband included 378.375 g of MDMA and 24.833 kgs of ganja. During this period, 274 drug-related source reports were forwarded to District Police Chiefs for follow-up action. In addition, the Excise department seized 19.937 kgs of ganja, 20.71 g of MDMA, and 0.6 g of methamphetamine from June 8 to 14. A total of 238 cases were registered, and 221 people were arrested.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
KTU announces NSS awards
APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) announced its National Service Scheme (NSS) awards for 2023-24 on Tuesday. University Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) K. Sivaprasad announced the winners. The NSS units and programme officers chosen for the awards are: Mar Baselios Institute of Technology and Science, Shiju Ramachandran; College of Engineering, Adoor, Sreedeepa H. S.; College of Engineering, Cherthala, Priyakumar T. N.; Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology, Arun Kumar M.; KMCT College of Engineering for Women, Reena Abraham; Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre, Rejumon R.; Government Engineering College, Sreekrishnapuram, Askar Ali P.; Thejus Engineering College, Vipin Krishna R.; ACE College of Engineering, Nandu Bhadran; and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering, Darsana S. Babu.
