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Chandigarh, August1,2025,UPDATED:4.50PM

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday unveiled a dedicated anti-drug curriculum for students of Classes IX to XII in all state-run schools. The launch ceremony was held in Arniwala sub-tehsil of Fazilka district, drawing participation from teachers across six districts despite heavy rains.

A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative

Kejriwal, addressing the gathering, described the step as a landmark move, asserting that Punjab had become the first state to incorporate a structured anti-drug syllabus into its school curriculum. “This initiative will set an example for the entire country, and other states will have to follow in Punjab’s footsteps,” he said.

He further announced that once successfully implemented in government schools, the anti-drug curriculum would also be introduced in private schools and colleges.

Political Accusations Resurface

Kejriwal used the occasion to launch a scathing attack on political rivals. Without taking names but alluding to senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, he said, “After I was sent behind bars, everyone started crying and came together to protect the biggest drug smugglers. In earlier governments, even official vehicles of ministers were used to transport drugs.”

Chief Minister Mann, too, criticised opposition parties, alleging that their leaders not only patronised drug smugglers but also encouraged the spread of narcotics in Punjab. “Those who supplied drugs in ministers’ cars will be put behind bars,” he said, vowing a zero-tolerance policy.

Curriculum Design & Implementation

The syllabus has been designed by Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee’s J-PAL South Asia, an organisation known for its research-driven policy solutions. It will focus on:

• Awareness building: Educating students on the dangers of drug use.

• Prevention skills: Empowering students to resist peer pressure and avoid substance abuse.

• Health engagement: Doctors, motivators, and counsellors will regularly visit schools to guide students and answer queries on drug-related issues.

The curriculum is expected to benefit approximately 8 lakh students in 3,658 government schools across the state.

Mass Participation Despite Rain

According to officials, teachers from Fazilka, Ferozepur, Moga, Muktsar, Faridkot, and Bathinda attended the event in large numbers, despite inclement weather. However, official sources also indicated that attendance for the event had been mandated for teachers from these districts.

Shaping Young Minds Early

Mann said the focus of the curriculum was to educate children in their formative years, ensuring that they not only stay away from drugs themselves but also act as change agents in their communities. “This is not just a curriculum—it is a movement against drugs that starts in classrooms and spreads across Punjab’s villages and cities,” he said.