RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has instructed all heads of educational institutions, including public and private schools, to appoint drug controllers and provide drug-free certificates to authorities concerned.

The managements of educational institutions have also been ordered to ensure that no teacher or student was allowed to use mobile phones in classrooms or on school premises.

The move is aimed at checking the use and supply of drugs in educational institutions.

In a letter, the government directed the authorities concerned to get a certificate from head of each educational institution stating that it was completely drug free. They should also nominate a drug controller in each school who will ensure a drug-free environment in the institute.

It further said the name of the controller should be displayed at a prominent place in the school. The administration of each school must ensure that no student has a mobile phone within the school premises. The administration must also ensure that teachers are not using mobile phones in classrooms.

The principal of a vocational training institute told Dawn that neither teachers nor students were allowed to keep their phones with them while taking classes. They are told to leave them in the office on arrival and get them back while leaving the school.

He said all faculty members and students had the option of using the institute’s landline in an emergency situation.

The principal stated: “I perform surprise checking once a week with my team to check the use of mobile phones or any other device.” He said if any student was caught having phone during studies, the device is confiscated and returned to their parents.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2023