Mohali, January 10: The Punjab government has rolled out a school-centric action plan to counter drug abuse by focusing on early education and prevention, positioning teachers and schools as the first line of defence in protecting young minds, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said on Friday.
Addressing principals and teachers during a capacity-building programme at the School of Eminence in Phase 3B1, Bains said the initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign aimed at tackling drug abuse at its roots.
“Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab,” Bains said while interacting with educators.
From the next academic session, senior secondary students will be sensitised to the ill-effects of drug abuse through a specially designed curriculum. “This structured intervention will provide age-appropriate and factual education, helping students make informed and responsible choices,” the minister said.
He also announced a pilot project in Mohali district under which a daily meditation session of around 30 minutes will be introduced at the start of the school day. “Meditation will strengthen mental discipline, emotional balance and moral values, helping children develop resilience against negative influences,” Bains said.
Stressing the role of teachers, he said educators would be trained to identify early warning signs and intervene responsibly. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was present at the programme, said the training aimed to create a strong anti-drug environment in schools across Punjab.
Punjab School Education Board Chairman Dr Amarpal Singh also attended the event, during which students presented a giddha performance conveying a message against drug abuse.
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