Subhechcha Ganguly 
In a major step towards eradicating drug abuse in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday launched a dedicated anti-drug curriculum to be implemented in government schools. The initiative is part of the third phase of the state’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign.
Addressing a gathering in Punjab’s border district, Kejriwal said the introduction of this curriculum marks a new chapter in the fight against drugs. “Punjab’s war against drugs has now entered a crucial stage,” he stated, adding that around 8 lakh students from classes 9 to 12 across 3,658 schools will be educated on the dangers of substance abuse.
The specially designed curriculum will include 35-minute sessions conducted fortnightly over 27 weeks, featuring documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. Themes will cover myth-busting around drugs, strategies to say no, and resisting peer pressure. Renowned scientists and experts will also be involved to enhance the impact of the programme.
“This innovative model will be replicated in other states as well,” Kejriwal added, noting that Punjab’s location on the international border with Pakistan makes it vulnerable to drug smuggling.
Highlighting the government’s crackdown on drug networks, he said over 15,000 drug traffickers have been jailed, 1,000 kg of heroin recovered, and illegally acquired properties demolished under the campaign. He accused previous regimes of turning a blind eye to the drug crisis and supporting drug kingpins.
Chief Minister Mann emphasized that the school-based awareness initiative is part of a broader movement to make Punjab drug-free. “This has now become a mass movement,” he said, adding that students must understand that the first use of drugs is often the beginning of a ruined life.
Mann also pointed out that the state government’s efforts have led to a revamp of government schools, resulting in a rising shift of students from private to public education, which he said reflects growing public trust.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rehabilitation, stating that de-addiction centres have been set up and recovering addicts are being provided with skill training to help them reintegrate into society with dignity.
Both leaders called on Punjab’s youth and citizens to support the initiative and unite in the mission to build a drug-free future for the state.
