Hyderabad: AI-Powered Chatbot to Combat Drug Abuse Among Students
In a bid to protect students from the dangers of drug abuse, the Education and IT Departments of Telangana, in collaboration with the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) and expert health professionals, have developed an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot called MITRA-TG. This chatbot is designed to help parents and teachers assess the risk of substance abuse in students through a secure and confidential assessment process.
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Training Programme for Widespread Adoption
To promote awareness and adoption of MITRA-TG, a “Training of Trainers” (ToT) programme was held on Monday at Dr. MCRHRDI in Jubilee Hills. The session was attended by 163 participants, including District Education Officers (DEOs), sectoral officers, Mandal Education Officers (MEOs), and private school representatives from across the state. The half-day orientation was aimed at equipping these stakeholders to implement the initiative at the school level.
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Key Highlights of the Training
The programme included several important sessions. Psychologist Roshni Sondhi from Fortis, Gurgaon, discussed the risks of substance abuse among teenagers and emphasized the importance of early intervention. Ayushi from United We Care provided a detailed walkthrough of the MITRA-TG chatbot, explaining its functionality, the assessment process, and best practices for its use.
Ramadevi, Director of Emerging Technologies in the IT Department, highlighted the role of technology in identifying students at risk. She mentioned that MITRA-TG was recognized as one of the top five AI-driven initiatives in Telangana and appreciated by the Government of India. P Sai Chaitanya, SP of TGANB, stressed the importance of community participation in preventing drug abuse and urged attendees to promote addiction-free lifestyles through daily activities.
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Teachers' Role in Creating a Drug-Free State
E V Narasimha Reddy, Commissioner and Director of School Education, underscored the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future of students and the nation. He called on educators to contribute to making Telangana a drug-free state. He also spoke about the importance of early detection and intervention, which led to the development of MITRA-TG. Officially launched by Minister D Sridhar Babu on December 6, 2024, this multilingual initiative aims to empower communities to identify warning signs and take proactive measures.
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Features of MITRA-TG
According to TGANB, MITRA-TG is a mobile and web-based AI-powered application that offers several features:
– WhatsApp-Based Assessments: Quick and easy evaluation through an AI chatbot.
– Privacy-First Approach: Ensures complete confidentiality and anonymity.
– Non-Judgmental Awareness: Focuses on early intervention without clinical conclusions.
– Multilingual Support: Available in Telugu, Hindi, Urdu, and English.
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Statewide Rollout and Action Plan
MITRA-TG will soon be integrated into awareness and training programmes across all schools in Telangana. This initiative aims to ensure widespread adoption and make a significant impact in combating drug abuse. Parents and teachers are encouraged to stay vigilant, recognize early signs of substance abuse, and use MITRA-TG as a support tool.
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How You Can Help
Parents and teachers are urged to:
1. Observe behavioral changes in students.
2. Use MITRA-TG for risk assessment.
3. Communicate openly with children and foster a supportive environment.
4. Report any drug-related concerns to TGANB’s helpline or email.
For immediate assistance, the toll-free helpline (1908), control room number (8712671111), and email (tsnabho-hyd@tspolice.gov.in) are available for reporting concerns.
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A Collective Mission for a Drug-Free Telangana
TGANB called on parents, teachers, and educational institutions to join hands in this mission. A drug-free Telangana can only be achieved through collective action and community support.
