Punjab’s Big Move: No Drugs, Only Education-Bhagwant Mann’s Historic Decision

Punjab News: Punjab has suffered for years due to drug addiction, destroying families and futures. Now, the government plans to shift this fight from police stations to classrooms. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s new policy will begin across 3,658 government schools on August 1.From class 9 to 12, students will learn about drug dangers in 35-minute sessions held every fifteen days for 27 weeks. This program is designed to help children say no to drugs and resist social pressure effectively.

Nobel Laureate’s Team Designs Curriculum

The course was created by Nobel Prize winner Abhijit Banerjee’s team. It uses films, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities to teach students. Experts say this innovative method will not only inform but also transform young minds permanently. The course focuses on practical life examples rather than theoretical lectures, so students feel connected.

It teaches them how to identify peer pressure and say “no” confidently. Special sessions will also include real stories of youth affected by drugs to make the lessons relatable. The aim is to build emotional strength and help children avoid addiction in real life.

Pilot Project Showed Strong Results

When tested in 78 schools of Amritsar and Tarn Taran, the course achieved striking outcomes. Ninety percent of students realized even one dose can cause addiction, and misconceptions about quitting drugs dropped from 50% to just 20%. The pilot also showed a big shift in classroom discussions about drugs.

Teachers reported students asking more questions about health and life goals. Parents also noticed changes in behavior, with children talking about the harms of drugs at home. This early success inspired the government to roll out the program across Punjab.

Teachers Trained For The Program

Over 6,500 teachers have received training to deliver these lessons effectively. They will help students understand real-life consequences, change their thinking about addiction, and motivate them to choose education over drugs for a better future. Teachers were given role-play exercises to handle sensitive questions during classes.

They learned to connect emotionally with students without making them feel judged. The training also included ways to spot early signs of addiction in children. This preparation ensures the program is consistent and impactful across all schools.

Government Cracks Down On Supply Chains

Since March 2025, Punjab Police and other agencies have arrested 23,000 traffickers, seized 1,000 kg of heroin, and confiscated assets worth crores. This two-way strategy targets both supply and demand, ensuring the war on drugs is comprehensive.

Anti-drug checkpoints have been set up at major state borders. Financial networks of drug cartels are also being tracked to cut their funding. Authorities are using technology like drones and AI mapping to locate hidden routes. This strict action sends a strong message to those involved in the drug trade.

Aim For A Drug-Free Punjab

Bhagwant Mann says real change will come when children themselves reject drugs. This is not just an education policy but a social revolution. The program promises a proud future where Punjab’s youth choose books over drugs and hope over despair.

The vision is to create a generation that values health over temporary escape. With children leading this change, the community’s outlook on addiction will shift permanently. The government believes education can break the cycle of drug dependency. A drug-free Punjab is now being seen as an achievable reality rather than just a dream.