Lucknow, Sept. 10 -- The state government is working to make the school environment more sensitive by linking girls' education with their self-esteem, safety, dignity, and leadership potential. As part of this effort, teachers are being sensitized to issues that impact children's self-esteem. Key topics in the training include teasing based on physical appearance, viewing oneself and others solely through the lens of body or looks, recognising one's body and its capabilities, the impact of social media, and gender stereotypes. A two-day 'Master Trainer' training programme for 100 participants-conducted in two batches-began on Wednesday under the 'Special Project for Equity,' specifically for the 'Meena Manch' programme and the 'Self-Esteem' project. The comprehensive training framework aims to prepare a total of 450 master trainers. On the first day of training, key messages regarding child safety were clarified through discussions on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. "It is crucial for teachers to be sensitive towards children's self-esteem and the need for a safe environment. This understanding will be effectively disseminated down to the school level through trained master trainers," said Monica Rani, director general, School Education. Lucknow: The state government has announced to make all the universities and degree colleges campuses drug-free by launching a campaign. This initiative aims to transform Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'Drug-Free India' into a mass movement and realize the vision of a 'Developed India - Developed Uttar Pradesh' by protecting the state's youth from the harmful effects of substance abuse and fostering a culture of sobriety in society. On Tuesday, higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyay chaired a review meeting of the drug-free campaign at his Vidhan Sabha office in Lucknow and directed that regular awareness activities be conducted in universities and colleges. htc...