Concern Over Alleged Ganja Sales Near Visakhapatnam Schools
Several Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) members have expressed concern over the alleged sale of ganja in the vicinity of government high schools and ashram schools, warning that students were being exposed to narcotics at an early age.
The matter came up during meetings of the first, second, sixth, and seventh standing committees of the Zilla Parishad held on Saturday under the chairmanship of ZP Chairperson Jallipalli Subhadra.
Participating in a discussion on the Education Department, Ananthagiri ZPTC member D. Gangaraju alleged that some individuals were selling ganja to students of an ashram school in his mandal. Members representing Araku Valley, Munagapaka, Devarapalli, and Golugonda described the reported incidents as alarming and called for preventive measures.
The members suggested organising counselling sessions for students, parents, and teachers to create awareness about substance abuse and its consequences.
Responding to the concerns, Ms. Subhadra directed education officials of the three districts to step up surveillance around school premises and seek police assistance where necessary. She urged parents to cooperate with schools on disciplinary matters and emphasised the shared responsibility of families and educators in safeguarding students.
Ms. Subhadra also called upon teachers to continue working with dedication to improve standards and maintain a safe academic environment.
CEO P. Narayanamurthy, Deputy CEO Rajkumar, and officials from various departments attended the meetings.