On 29th May 2026, Sri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, inaugurated National Award Ceremony for School Challenge–TOFEI 2025 and launched the Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya Action Plan and Portal, reaffirming commitment of the Government towards creating tobacco-free and drug-free educational institutions. In his keynote address, he emphasised the need for sustained awareness, institutional responsibility and collective action to safeguard students from tobacco and substance abuse, while fostering healthier and safer learning environments across the country.
The Three-Year Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya Action Plan (2026–2029), focuses on strengthening prevention, awareness, monitoring and capacity-building initiatives through dedicated Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya portal, curriculum integration, teacher training and nationwide outreach campaigns at National, state and district levels.
The inaugural session also featured a special address by Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT, on “Towards a Drug & Tobacco Free India: The Transformative Role of Educational Institutions”, where he underscored the vital role of schools and educators in shaping responsible behaviour, promoting mental well-being and building a culture of prevention and awareness among young learners. Representatives from States/UTs and Autonomous Bodies, along with senior officials and education stakeholders, participated in the programme.
