New Delhi, Aug 12 (INB) The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders on a draft model curriculum on “Substance Abuse: Prevention and Management”, aimed at promoting awareness, prevention and early intervention among students in higher education institutions, according to a public notice. The higher education regulator said the draft curriculum has been prepared in line with the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, according to the notice issued on Tuesday. The Ministry of Education has recommended that the prevention and management of substance abuse may be introduced as part of course offerings at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels across disciplines, the UGC said. According to the Commission, the proposed model curriculum seeks to promote awareness, prevention, early identification, management and community engagement related to substance abuse. It also aims to encourage healthy lifestyles, mental well-being, life skills and responsible citizenship among students. The Commission has sought feedback from higher education institutions, faculty members, students, subject experts, professional bodies, government organisations, civil society organisations and members of the general public. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions by email to diksha.ugc@nic.in, with a copy to feedback.drugabuse@gmail.com. The subject line should read “Comments on Draft Model Curriculum on Substance Abuse: Prevention and Management”, it added. The feedback is to be submitted within 15 days from the date of publication of the public notice. The initiative is part of efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to promote drug-free, safe and healthy campuses, the UGC said. The Commission has made the draft model curriculum available on its official website for stakeholders to examine and provide inputs.
