The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB), in collaboration with the Education and IT Departments, has introduced MITRA-TG, an AI-powered chatbot on WhatsApp.
Developed with input from health professionals, the chatbot enables parents and teachers to assess substance use risks in students through a confidential evaluation process.
Launched by D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT, Electronics, and Communication, on December 6 last year, MITRA-TG aims to empower communities with the tools needed to identify early warning signs and take preventive action. The chatbot provides multilingual support in Telugu, Hindi, Urdu, and English, ensuring accessibility across diverse communities.
To drive adoption, a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme was held today at Dr MCRHRDI, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Organised in collaboration with the Education Department and IT Wing, the session was attended by 163 participants, including District Education Officers, Sectoral Officers, Mandal Education Officers, and representatives from private schools across Telangana. The programme focused on equipping educators with the knowledge to implement the initiative effectively at the school level.
The event featured expert sessions on substance abuse awareness and a demonstration of the MITRA-TG app. Psychologist Roshni Sondhi from Fortis, Gurgaon, highlighted the risks of substance use among teenagers and the importance of early intervention. Ayushi from United We Care provided a walkthrough of the app, explaining its features and best practices for risk assessment.
Speaking at the event, Ramadevi, Director of Emerging Technologies in the IT Department, emphasised the role of technology in identifying students at risk. She noted that MITRA-TG was recognised among the top five AI-driven initiatives in Telangana and had been appreciated by the Government of India.
P. Sai Chaitanya, SP of TGANB, stressed the need for community participation in drug prevention efforts and urged teachers to reinforce an addiction-free lifestyle among students through regular activities.
Commissioner and Director of School Education E.V.Narasimha Reddy underlined the crucial role of teachers in shaping the future of students and called for collective efforts to make Telangana a drug-free state.
MITRA-TG will soon be rolled out across all schools in Telangana, integrating it into awareness and training programmes to ensure widespread impact. Parents and teachers are urged to remain vigilant, use the chatbot for risk assessment, and foster open communication with students to create a supportive environment.
Reports of drug-related concerns can be made to the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau through the toll-free helpline 1908, control room at 8712671111, or via e-mail at tsnabho-hyd@tspolice.gov.in. All reports remain confidential, and authorities encourage public participation in making Telangana a model state in the fight against drug abuse.
Published - February 04, 2025 01:22 am IST
