THIS refers to news “IUB’s VC, employees to undergo drug test” (July 22), according to which the Islamia University of Baha- walpur has announced that it would conduct drug tests of all its employees, including the vice-chancellor. This was decided in the wake of the arrest of the university’s chief security officer, who is believed to have been in possession of objectionable content related to students and staff.

In view of the growing incidents of such nature in almost all universities and educational institutions across the country, the decision is a welcome move that must be acknowledged and appreciated. Time has come to purge all institutions, particularly educational institutions, of people involved in any kind of immoral activity.

It is shocking that even in schools, students have easy access to drugs with the assistance of some staff members without any check. Likewise, there are so many cases that get reported in the national media about women employees being harassed and intimidated by their male bosses, and even being victimised in the shape of dismissals and transfers to far-flung areas.

Such incidents cannot be ignored in any institution anymore. The relevant authorities should order immediate drug test of all employees of the federal and provincial governments, autonomous bodies, corporations and educational institutions to ensure the elimination of drug users at workplaces.

A drug test at the time of initial appointment should be made mandatory, and periodic testing should continue till the end of one’s service.

Tariq Majeed
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2023