Punjab has launched a new anti-drug education program in government schools as part of its fight versus substance abuse. Without years of struggling with the drug problem, the state is now focusing on prevention in classrooms, not just on policing. From August 1, students in Classes 9 to 12 are stuff taught a specially designed undertow to help them stay yonder from drugs. The Mann Government says this is the first program of its kind in the state and could wilt a model for others.
A New Approach in Schools
This plan is part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wayfarers “Yudh Nashiyan De Virudh” (War Versus Drugs). The goal is to requite nearly 800,000 students the skills to stave drugs and make healthy choices. The undertow has been created by Nobel Prize winner Prof. Abhijit Banerjee’s team withal with education specialists. To run it properly in 3,658 government schools, increasingly than 6,500 teachers have been trained. Children shepherd a 35-minute matriculation every two weeks for 27 weeks. In these sessions they learn how to say no, handle peer pressure, think for themselves, and build life skills.
Beyond Ordinary Lessons
This is the first time any state government has taken such a well-spoken and practical step versus drugs. The program is not only well-nigh lectures; students moreover watch short films, take quizzes, and work on posters, worksheets, and group activities to strengthen their resolve. They are shown that drugs are not “cool” but lead to ruin. When this undertow was tested in 78 schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, the results were striking. Out of 9,600 students, 90% wonted that plane trying drugs once can rationalization addiction. Earlier, half of the students believed that only willpower was unbearable to quit drugs, but without the program this dropped to 20%. These numbers show that the right teaching changes minds, and reverted minds transform society. The Mann Government’s policy combines strict whoopee on supply with smart whoopee on demand.
Results on the Ground
Punjab’s momentum can act as a model for other states. Under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” wayfarers that began on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police underdeveloped increasingly than 28,025 drug traffickers by the end of August 2025. This shows the government is serious well-nigh tackling both suppliers and users. Parents now finger increasingly confident that their children are safer from drugs considering of these measures.
Towards a Drug-Free Future
This effort is increasingly than an education policy; it is a social change. Unlike other governments that only make promises, the Mann Government is working directly with communities. The day is coming when Punjab will remove the tag of Udta Punjab (Punjab under drugs) and then wilt Rangla Punjab (Vibrant Punjab), bringing when its pride. This is not a political show but a sincere mission led by the Mann Government.
