Anti-drug lessons start for students of Classes 9–12 in Punjab schools (Social Media)
National News: In a landmark initiative to make Punjab drug-free, the state government has introduced an anti-drug curriculum for students of Classes 9 to 12 in all government schools. On Friday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the program across 3,500 government schools in the state.
The launch event, held at the School of Eminence in Fazilka, saw students, teachers, and officials take an oath against drugs. Speaking at the occasion, Kejriwal said this curriculum would “show the way not only for Punjab but for the entire country on how to prepare children to resist drugs.”
Kejriwal announced that Punjab would now make its children aware of the dangers of drugs from an early age, saying: “We want the coming generation to be recognized not by drugs, but by their knowledge, hard work, and determination.”
He emphasized that this is not just a slogan but a people’s movement, urging everyone to join hands to make Punjab drug-free. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, and other dignitaries also attended the event.
Calling the day “historic not just for Punjab but for the nation,” Kejriwal criticized earlier governments for failing to tackle the drug menace. “Drugs started infiltrating Punjab in 2007–08. Ministers of past governments openly protected the drug trade. Drugs were supplied across the state in ministers’ own cars, and drug smugglers lived comfortably in their bungalows. Despite this, no action was taken,” he alleged. He added that when Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal failed to act, Punjab voters gave AAP a chance in 2022.
“For the first time in history, such an aggressive war against drugs has been launched. More than 23,000 FIRs have been filed in just five months, over 15,000 people have been arrested, and palatial properties of drug smugglers are being demolished. No earlier government had the courage to take these steps,” Kejriwal stated.
Kejriwal revealed that one major political leader had been arrested for drug trafficking. “The mothers and sisters who lost their loved ones due to drugs are finally at peace. But when we jailed a big drug smuggler, Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal came out in his support. These parties never cried when Punjab’s youth were dying of drugs—yet they cry for drug lords,” he said.
Kejriwal shared that the statewide anti-drug yatra is receiving massive support: So far, the yatra has reached 10,000 villages. Entire villages are gathering to pledge that drugs will not be sold in their areas. Drug smugglers’ properties and bank accounts are being seized and used to fund new schools and hospitals.
He also noted that de-addiction centers have been upgraded: “Earlier, no one wanted to go there because of their terrible condition. Now, villagers ensure any child found using drugs is taken to a centre and helped to recover.”
Kejriwal warned of how drug use starts: “Children think that tasting it once will not harm them. But then they slowly get addicted. At de-addiction centers, we met children who spend ₹3,000–4,000 a day on drugs. Poor kids turn to theft, pickpocketing, and crime to fund their addiction. Their lives are destroyed.”
He appealed to the youth: “Don’t fall into this trap. Drug addiction is poison—it will destroy you and your family.”
Highlighting AAP’s efforts in education, Kejriwal said: “We have transformed schools. Children now dream of becoming IAS officers, doctors, engineers, and lawyers. But this is only possible if they stay away from drugs. We are building a future where Punjab’s youth lead the way in progress.”
Speaking at the event, CM Bhagwant Mann praised the efforts of the state’s teachers and officials and criticized previous governments for allowing Punjab’s image to be tarnished: “Past governments left a stain of drugs on Punjab for their selfish gains. Ministers patronized the drug trade, while their children studied under armed protection. Now, we are reversing that damage.” Mann added that in the last 150 days, hundreds of panchayats have passed resolutions pledging to boycott drug smugglers.
“This is no longer just a government initiative—it is a mass movement. We have included anti-drug education in the curriculum because the first use of drugs is the start of life’s destruction.”
Mann concluded by saying the state’s goal is clear: “We are determined to erase this curse from Punjab’s forehead and build a future full of dignity and opportunity.”
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