Shillong: In a major step towards tackling drug abuse from its roots, the Meghalaya government will train over 100 school teachers as counsellors within the next ten months, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced on Friday.
The initiative is part of the government’s multi-pronged strategy to combat the growing drug menace in the state. Partnering with the Sanker Centre for Neurology and Mental Health under the DREAM mission, the program will equip teachers—especially those handling classes II to V—with counselling skills to sensitise children early against substance abuse.
“This effort is to prevent fascination with drugs from a very young age. The government will fund 50 percent of the Rs 10,000 course fee for each teacher,” Lyngdoh saidaddedm
He added that this initiative aligns with broader measures, including community engagement, vocational training, and partnerships with institutions like Shillong Lajong FC, MSSDS, and Don Bosco to promote awareness and skill-building among youth.
Director of DREAM, Francis Kharshiing, said schools are encouraged to nominate one teacher each for the monthly training sessions, with the goal of reaching over 100 trained counsellors by the end of the 10-month cycle.
