Chandigarh: Taking Punjab’s anti-drug war to the classroom, schools across the state will run a year-long programme to raise awareness about substance abuse, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen early identification of drug-related concerns.According to the activity calendar issued by State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), schools will undertake activities involving students, teachers and the wider school community throughout the academic year.In Aug, students will make posters carrying anti-drug messages. Sept will be dedicated particularly to involving parents in the campaign.Poetry writing and quiz competitions will be held in Oct. From Nov to Feb, community members will be invited to share their experiences, while anti-drug awareness workshops will be held. Students will take an anti-drug pledge during morning assemblies, followed by interactive sessions on the risks of drug abuse and healthy lifestyles.The schools have also been directed to establish drug-free clubs, with teachers, headmasters and non-teaching staff being nominated as members. They have also been asked to undertake awareness activities through creative and interactive formats, allowing students to engage with the issue beyond conventional lectures.Another major focus is to identify teachers who understand how to respond to drug-related concerns among students. More than 21,000 teachers are being equipped with the capacity and practical skills needed to identify early signs of mental health concerns and drug abuse among students and to intervene in time.Also, the schools will use a video-based anti-drug curriculum to educate students about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. Schools have been encouraged to install anonymous tip-off boxes, enabling students to report suspected substance abuse or related issues.Education minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms. Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war on drugs. Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab.” ”
