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🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

India's UGC plans substance abuse awareness course for university students

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • India's University Grants Commission (UGC) is developing a curriculum on substance abuse awareness for university students.
  • The proposed course aims to promote healthy lifestyles and understanding of addiction mechanisms.
  • Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft curriculum within 15 days.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat" campaign, India's University Grants Commission (UGC) is taking steps to educate young adults about substance abuse. The UGC has drafted a model curriculum for an "Substance Abuse: Prevention and Management" course, intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students across all disciplines.

Substance Abuse: Prevention and Management

— UGC Draft Curriculum TitleThe title of the proposed course.

The proposed two-credit, 30-hour course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical activities. Its core objectives include raising awareness, promoting sensitization, and encouraging community engagement against substance abuse. The curriculum aims to foster healthy lifestyles, enhance mental well-being, develop life skills, and cultivate responsible citizenship, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

promote healthy lifestyles, mental well-being, life skills, and responsible citizenship

— UGC Draft CurriculumThe stated aims of the proposed course.

Students enrolled in the course will delve into the neurobiological and psychosocial factors contributing to addiction, identify associated risk factors, and understand mental health vulnerabilities. The curriculum also covers practical skills such as using validated screening tools for substance or alcohol use problems, and understanding the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model. Additionally, it addresses clinical management, counseling, relapse prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery support.

neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying addiction

— UGC Draft CurriculumKey topics to be covered in the course.

The draft curriculum mandates at least five practical activities, including visits to rehabilitation centers, expert talks, interactions with NGOs, social media campaigns, ideathons, and survey-based studies. While the UGC has sought comments from stakeholders within 15 days of its August 11 notice, it remains unclear whether the course will be compulsory for all students. The UGC has not yet responded to queries regarding this aspect.

Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

— UGC Draft CurriculumA treatment model included in the course content.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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