New Delhi, September 2025: In a landmark step toward building drug-free educational spaces, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the CBSE headquarters in Dwarka, New Delhi. The partnership seeks to prevent substance abuse in schools and create a safe, supportive ecosystem for students across the country.
The MoU was signed by Anurag Garg (IPS), Director General, NCB, and Rahul Singh (IAS), Chairperson, CBSE, in the presence of senior officials including Himanshu Gupta (IAS), Secretary, CBSE, Vishal M. Sanap (IRS), Deputy Director General, NCB, Neeraj Kumar Gupta (IPS), DDG, NCB, and other dignitaries.
Key Objectives of the CBSE–NCB Collaboration
The agreement lays out a comprehensive framework to address substance abuse through:
Quarterly awareness programmes for schools and communities
Capacity-building workshops for teachers, counsellors, and school leaders
Digital learning modules for students and parents
Community outreach campaigns to strengthen awareness at the grassroots level
Counselling support for students and families
A pilot programme will roll out in 100 CBSE-affiliated schools, with a hub-and-spoke model planned for nationwide expansion.
Highlights from the Awareness Programme
Following the MoU signing, an Awareness Programme on the Prevention of Substance Abuse was conducted, attended by over 500 principals, counsellors, and wellness teachers.
Ashutosh Agnihotri (IAS), CMD of Food Corporation of India, led a session on “Leadership for Empowering the School Ecosystem.”
Dr. Anees C., Deputy Director, NCB, presented “Refuse the First Dose, Secure the Future,” highlighting the dangers of first-time drug use and strategies for prevention.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where educators and counsellors shared concerns and collaborated on actionable solutions for strengthening school-based drug prevention programmes.
Voices from the Leadership
Anurag Garg, DG, NCB: “Educational institutions are vital in combating drug abuse. NCB will continue to support schools through campaigns, workshops, and counselling.”
Rahul Singh, Chairperson, CBSE: “Safeguarding student well-being is our top priority. This partnership ensures schools are equipped with the right knowledge and resources.”
Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, CBSE: “Creating a secure environment requires timely intervention and access to mental health initiatives such as Tele-MANAS.”
The Bigger Picture
This collaboration reflects India’s growing focus on early intervention, prevention, and mental health support in the education sector. With substance abuse among youth becoming a pressing concern, the CBSE–NCB partnership is expected to serve as a model framework for schools nationwide.
By combining policy, awareness, counselling, and digital learning, the initiative aims to empower students, parents, and teachers alike—ensuring that schools remain safe, healthy, and drug-free environments.