A primary school in India is confronting absenteeism caused by alcohol drinking by about 40 students ages 6 to 11.

ADVERTISEMENT

School authorities in the largely tribal village in the state of Madhya Pradesh blame the problem of child drinking on the free availability of a local brew made from the Mahua flower, reports the BBC.

It was new headmaster Sunil Tarkaswar who confronted the problem after checking into poor test results and inattentiveness among students. The students, including many girls, admitted that they came to school drunk, the report said.

To resolve the problem, Tarkaswar put up posters praising children who have given up drinking. They will be given free school uniforms and books.

He has secured the support of the village headman and a respected social worker for his campaign, which urges parents not to give children a sip of the drink or consume liquor in front of their children.

The campaign seems to be working. A 9-year-old girl, who failed her exams three years in a row, now vows she will never drink again. Many parents also have given up on the brew.