Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, January 10, 2025— In a decisive push to tackle drug abuse at its roots, the Punjab Government has rolled out a comprehensive, school-led action plan under its ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, placing education and prevention at the centre of its strategy to safeguard young minds.
The initiative, being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, positions schools and teachers as the first line of defence in Punjab’s long-term battle against drugs. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the government’s focus is not only on strict action against drug smugglers but also on protecting children before they fall into addiction.
Interacting with principals and teachers during a Capacity Building Training Programme under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ at the School of Eminence in Phase 3B1, Mohali, Harjot Singh Bains, accompanied by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, reviewed the progress of the programme and outlined the roadmap ahead.
Addressing educators, Harjot Singh Bains said that education and prevention are the most powerful weapons in this decisive war against drugs. He stressed that creating awareness, instilling values and strengthening discipline among students is the only sustainable way to eliminate the menace of drug abuse from Punjab.
The Education Minister announced that from the next academic session, senior secondary students across the state will be sensitised about the ill effects of drug abuse through a specially designed curriculum. He said the structured intervention would provide age-appropriate, factual and value-based education, enabling students to make informed and responsible life choices.
As part of efforts to build mental strength and resilience, the Punjab Government will also launch a daily meditation period on a pilot basis in Mohali district. Harjot Singh Bains said a 30-minute meditation session at the start of the school day would help students develop mental discipline, emotional balance and moral values, equipping them to resist negative influences.
Highlighting the critical role of teachers and school leadership, the minister said capacity building of principals and educators is a crucial step in the anti-drug mission. He noted that the training programmes are designed to help teachers identify early warning signs, intervene responsibly and guide students away from substance abuse.
Harjot Singh Bains further revealed that complaint-cum-suggestion boxes have been installed in every school to allow students to confidentially share information about drug peddlers or any practices protecting them, without disclosing their identity. He said all inputs would be analysed centrally and acted upon swiftly to ensure accountability and effective action.
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, sharing his views on social media, said that under Phase 2 of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, principals of all schools in Punjab are being trained to create and sustain a strong anti-drug environment within their institutions. He said the objective is to strengthen the mindset of every child so they can firmly say no to drugs and carry that resolve throughout their lives. Sisodia added that the training programmes, being conducted across districts, involve psychologists and educationists working directly with school leaders.
During the interaction, teachers shared innovative ideas on monitoring students and guiding them in a positive direction. Both Harjot Singh Bains and Manish Sisodia appreciated the suggestions and encouraged educators to take ownership of the anti-drug campaign within their schools.
Punjab School Education Board Chairman Dr Amarpal Singh was also present on the occasion. Earlier, girl students of the School of Eminence presented a Giddha performance with motivational lyrics, delivering a strong message on keeping Punjab and society free from drugs and reinforcing the spirit of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’.
