100 buddy groups to take part in I-Day function

Bathinda, August 10

Following the state government’s directions to the districts to launch anti-drug abuse campaign buddy programme on August 15, Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Praneet has written a letter to the Education Department to constitute buddy groups in schools ahead of the Independence Day function.

He also asked the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to make a list of 100 buddy groups by August 12, which would participate in the Independence Day function.

The nodal officer of the anti-drug programme has informed all Deputy Commissioners that the government was pursuing a three-pronged strategy — Enforcement, De-addiction and Prevention (EDP) — to check and control drugs in the state.

“In the first phase, we launched the DAPO programme to create awareness. Now, in the second phase, we have designed a special buddy programme for school and college students, which will be launched on August 15,” he said.

It is also stated that the buddy programme is aimed at prevention of drug abuse through mass awareness among school and college students.

The programme will focus on the theme ‘Nashe Toh Azadi’ and the Independence Day celebrations will concentrate on this theme.

As many as 100 buddy groups would participate in the Independence Day function and these groups may make a brief performance as part of the cultural show during the celebrations. Buddy groups may be allowed to interact with the chief guest during the function.

A buddy group in a class would consist of five students of different interests and temperament.

The group will see that their peers do not indulge in drugs.

The group will also be helpful in checking if someone approaches its members.

Earlier, the programme was started in the most drug-affected border district of Tarn Taran and its result was studied.

Now, it has been decided to start this programme in other districts as well.

The buddy project will be led by the class teachers and supervised by principals and DEOs.— TNS