Government to Collaborate with School Management on Drug Issues

The government plans to work closely with the School Management Association of Fiji to tackle the growing drug problem in schools, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad.

Speaking at the School Management Association's 9th Biennial Conference, Professor Prasad expressed his support for the association’s awareness of the serious issues surrounding drugs and student discipline in schools.

He emphasized that the government is committed to working together with the association to address these concerns.

During the conference, Association President Govind Singh highlighted the negative impact of sidelining school management.

He argued that when school leaders are excluded from decision-making, schools are increasingly becoming hubs for drugs, glue sniffing, violence, and other harmful influences.

Professor Prasad explained that the government, under the Coalition, has been taking action to address the drug problem.

Last year’s budget included measures to combat drug abuse, including the establishment of the Narcotics Bureau and efforts to reform the police force.

He added that rehabilitation centres are also being developed as part of the broader strategy to tackle the issue.

The government is focusing on strengthening partnerships with school management to ensure a safer and healthier environment for students.