Punjab Schools to Pioneer Statewide Drug Prevention Curriculum

Punjab is implementing a drug prevention curriculum in government schools for students in Classes 9 to 12 as part of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' drive. This initiative involves 6,500 trained teachers and aims to equip eight lakh students with skills to combat substance abuse through interactive, evidence-based sessions.

The Punjab government is set to introduce an innovative drug prevention curriculum for students from Classes 9 to 12, marking a significant stride in its 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' initiative. School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the curriculum's launch by Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on August 1.

This pioneering curriculum, spearheaded by Nobel laureate Prof. Abhijit Banerjee's J-PAL South Asia, will equip around eight lakh students with critical skills to resist substance abuse. Designed with engaging content like documentaries and interactive activities, the programme will run bi-weekly sessions over 27 weeks, emphasizing resistance to peer pressure and myth-busting techniques.

The initiative will extend to 3,658 schools and involve over 6,500 trained teachers, aiming to make a substantial impact on Punjab's education landscape. Backed by evidence and evaluated through trials in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, the programme highlights Punjab's commitment to initiating the battle against drugs within classrooms.

(With inputs from agencies.)