Punjab Under Mann Govt Launches Anti-Drug Curriculum in 3,658 Schools

Punjab has launched a new anti-drug education program in government schools as part of its fight against substance abuse. After 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 being taught a specially designed course to help them stay away from drugs. The Mann Government says this is the first program of its kind in the state and could become a model for others.

A New Approach in Schools

This plan is part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s campaign “Yudh Nashiyan De Virudh” (War Against Drugs). The goal is to give nearly 800,000 students the skills to avoid drugs and make healthy choices. The course has been created by Nobel Prize winner Prof. Abhijit Banerjee’s team along with education specialists. To run it properly in 3,658 government schools, more than 6,500 teachers have been trained. Children attend a 35-minute class 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 clear and practical step against drugs. The program is not only about lectures; students also 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 course was tested in 78 schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, the results were striking. Out of 9,600 students, 90% accepted that even trying drugs once can cause addiction. Earlier, half of the students believed that only willpower was enough to quit drugs, but after the program this dropped to 20%. These numbers show that the right teaching changes minds, and changed minds transform society. The Mann Government’s policy combines strict action on supply with smart action on demand.

Results on the Ground

Punjab’s drive can act as a model for other states. Under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign that began on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police arrested more than 28,025 drug traffickers by the end of August 2025. This shows the government is serious about tackling both suppliers and users. Parents now feel more confident that their children are safer from drugs because of these measures.

Towards a Drug-Free Future

This effort is more 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 again become Rangla Punjab (Vibrant Punjab), bringing back its pride. This is not a political show but a sincere mission led by the Mann Government.