Thiruvananthapuram: In a bold move to combat substance abuse, Kerala University has mandated that all students wishing to study at the institution must submit a declaration pledging not to use drugs. The decision follows the recent seizure of cannabis from a university hostel. Kerala Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Mohanan Kunnummal explained this step during a press conference.

The VC also welcomed the police raid conducted at the hostel. "We welcome the police action in raiding the hostel. This kind of police raid should be conducted in all hostels, including university hostels, and students should be made to declare that they do not use drugs. The raid is not because students are suspected of drug use, but because all students are under suspicion. That is why we are requesting a certificate confirming that the hostel is clean after the police raid," he stated.

Dr Mohanan Kunnummal claimed that the university had taken the most relevant step in dealing with narcotics. "From now on, to study at Kerala University, a student must submit a declaration stating 'I will not use drugs’. If a student is found to be using drugs in violation of this declaration, the university will have the authority to take action. There may be questions about the legal validity of this decision, but this is the decision the university has made," he said.