Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
As part of the Bhagwant Mann government’s ongoing campaign against drugs, ‘War Against Drugs’, schools across Punjab have been directed to conduct a year-long series of activities aimed at creating awareness among students about the dangers of substance abuse and promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
According to the activity calendar issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the program will involve students, teachers, parents and the wider school community through a range of awareness and engagement activities during the academic year.
During August, students will be encouraged to prepare posters carrying anti-drug messages. September will focus on greater involvement of parents, with schools directed to use Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) to educate them about the risks associated with narcotic substances and the importance of early identification and timely intervention.
In October, schools will organise poetry-writing and quiz competitions centred on drug awareness. From November to February, community members will be invited to share their experiences, while schools will conduct anti-drug awareness workshops and interactive sessions.
Students will also take an anti-drug pledge during morning assemblies and participate in discussions aimed at helping them understand the harmful effects of drugs and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Government has further directed schools to establish drug-free clubs, comprising teachers, headmasters and non-teaching staff. Schools have been encouraged to adopt creative and interactive methods instead of relying solely on conventional lectures, with activities promoting healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making.
A key component of the program is teacher training. More than 21,000 teachers are being equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to identify early signs of mental health concerns and drug abuse among students and respond to such issues in a timely manner.
Schools will also use a video-based anti-drug curriculum to educate students about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. In addition, they have been encouraged to install anonymous tip-off boxes so that students can report suspected drug abuse or related concerns without revealing their identity.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the fight against drugs must begin in classrooms.
“The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms. Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war on drugs. Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab.”
Under the government’s directions, schools have also been asked to ensure a 500-metre drug-free zone around their premises and periodically submit reports on compliance. School heads and mentors will be responsible for monitoring the activities, maintaining records and documenting the initiatives, including through photographs.
The year-long program is part of Punjab’s broader ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign and aims to build a sustained prevention mechanism in schools by combining student participation, teacher capacity-building, educational content and community involvement.
