After drug scare IIT-K bans cigarettes, pan masala on campus

Following the revelation that the number of IIT-Kanpur students addicted to drugs has continued to swell over the past few months, the premier institute has taken a tough stand and banned cigarettes, pan masala and intoxicants on the campus.

Following the revelation that the number of IIT-Kanpur students addicted to drugs has continued to swell over the past few months, the premier institute has taken a tough stand and banned cigarettes, pan masala and intoxicants on the campus.

In the notice banning cigarettes, pan masala etc, the institute has made it clear that anyone found flouting the ban would be subjected to serious disciplinary action. (HT)

The institute, which earlier found 25 students addicted to drugs, recently discovered that the figure was around 100.

In the notice banning cigarettes, pan masala etc, the institute has made it clear that anyone found flouting the ban would be subjected to serious disciplinary action.

To get to the core of the drug menace, the institute has tasked senior faculty members to find out the source of drug supply, besides putting some employees and security guards under the scanner.

The institute has received complaints about ‘shady activities’ of certain employees and guards.

The faculty members have been asked to carry out the investigation secretly.

Dr Manindra Agarwal, acting director of IIT-Kanpur, said making the campus free of drugs was his priority and he would not hesitate in taking tough action.

In the ‘operation clean-up’, raids were conducted at pharmacies and some shops around the institute. The raiding teams, led by drug inspectors Arvind Gupta and Ejaz Gupta, examined the stocks and registers of the pharmacies.

District magistrate Surendra Singh had asked the food and drug administration (FDA) to conduct searches following complaints that the pharmacies were selling certain banned drugs unlawfully. Two pharmacies have been issued show-cause notices as their pharmacists were found missing.

GSVM Medical College plans tough action for drug use

Kanpur: IIT-Kanpur isn’t alone in this fight against drug addiction among students. Joining the tirade, GSVM Medical College has decided to suspend anyone found high on drugs or alcohol for three months from the college and hostel. In case a student is found taking drugs for the second time, the college would bar him/her from the college for one year.

GSVM Medical College proctor GD Yadav said a code of conduct was being put in place for the students. Not only would they have biometric attendance, their movement during the night would be curbed. After 9 pm the students would not be allowed to move out of the college.

The college, which recently faced unruly behaviour and incidents of ragging, said it won’t compromise on discipline.