In a proactive move to curb rising narcotic use among students, the Belagavi City Police Commissioner’s Office has submitted a proposal to the Deputy Commissioner to introduce voluntary drug testing in educational institutions.
City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase, in a video statement, said the initiative, currently under consideration, suggests random drug screening of at least 10% of students per semester from Class 9 onwards. The screening would involve blood tests to detect narcotic substances.
Borase emphasized that the programme is completely voluntary. Parental consent will be required for minors, while adult students must provide their own approval. “The aim is not enforcement but deterrence. If the possibility of being tested discourages a student from drug use, the initiative will have achieved its goal,” he said.
He assured that the privacy and confidentiality of test results will be maintained, and institutions are not obligated to share them with the police. To assist parents, the department has suggested an affordable multi-drug screening kit available for private use, with details listed on belagavicitypolice.karnataka.gov.in and official social media pages.
The police are also seeking feedback from parents, teachers, and school administrators to fine-tune the plan. Borase noted that similar efforts in two other Karnataka districts have yielded positive outcomes.
To facilitate anonymous reporting of drug use or sales, QR codes will be installed in public areas, schools, and colleges. Since taking charge four months ago, Borase has intensified efforts against drug trafficking and consumption in Belagavi, with this proposal marking a step towards preventive and community-focused policing to protect the city’s youth.
