Bal Bahadur Air, an eighth-grader of Balkalyan Secondary School in Ajayameru, Dadeldhura, did not know that one could be jailed for three months or fined Rs 30,000 for gambling-related offences. He was surprised to learn that police could take action against individuals who create a ruckus and smoke in public places.

“Activities such as smoking, gambling and creating a commotion in public places are very common in our village,” said Air. “We came to know that these activities were unlawful only after police personnel informed us at our school.”

The District Police Office has started an awareness campaign in the district against unlawful activities, including murder, abduction, rape, domestic violence, violence against children and public offences. Police personnel are conducting awareness classes for students of grades 8 to 12 at schools to instil positive thinking in them.

Not only the students but locals of Smaiji also attend the classes. Dhan Bahadur Saud, chairman of the School Management Committee, said, “We hope that our students will be much more responsive to curbing social evils from now onwards.”

This police campaign started in Dadeldhura around two months ago. There are more than 35 secondary schools in the district.

Laxmi Bhandari, a local of Ajayameru, said that the classes have had a positive impact on students.

“Children who took the awareness classes have become more disciplined now,” Bhandari said.

The District Police Office has conducted the class in 13 community schools of the district so far. Inspector Balaram Pandey said that the rate of social crimes has reduced after the campaign started.

“Villagers have stopped playing cards, consuming alcohol and creating a ruckus in public places these days. Our classes have had a positive impact on society,” Pandey said.

The District Police Office plans to reach all secondary schools in Dadeldhura to educate students.

“We came up with this campaign, as we know that teenagers are more prone to get involved in unlawful activities. This campaign will educate students and also their family members on the prevailing rules, regulations and legal system of the country,” said Dadhiram Neupane, deputy superintendent of police. Neupane added that students were specifically targeted for the campaign, as they are an excellent medium to spread information in society.

Meanwhile, the District Traffic Office has also started a road safety campaign along with the police programme in the schools. Dil Bahadur Khatri, chief at the Office, said they have launched a district-wide campaign to educate students on traffic rules and regulations.

“The number of road accidents has increased in the district of late. This campaign will help children be safe while on the road,” Khatri said.