Mann and Kejriwal Launch Anti-Drug Curriculum to Combat Drug Menace in Punjab Schools
Arniwala (Fazilka), August 1, 2025
New Chapter in the Fight Against Drugs
Curriculum to Educate 8 Lakh Students from Classes 9 to 12
Other States to Follow Punjab’s Model: Kejriwal
Commitment to Make Punjab Drug-Free
Previous Governments Blamed for Drug Proliferation
Pledge to Ensure Exemplary Punishment for Major Drug Traffickers
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal launched a groundbreaking anti-drug curriculum under the ‘War Against Drugs’ initiative, aimed at raising awareness among 8 lakh students about the dangers of drug abuse. The curriculum will be implemented in government schools across Punjab for students in Classes 9 to 12.
Key Highlights
Addressing a gathering in Arniwala, Fazilka, Kejriwal announced the start of a new chapter in Punjab’s fight against drugs, describing it as a decisive moment in the state’s battle against the drug menace. He outlined that the third phase of the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign includes this specialized curriculum to educate students on the harmful effects of drugs and encourage them to steer clear of substance abuse. The program will cover 3658 schools and engage 8 lakh students through:
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35-minute sessions held fortnightly over 27 weeks
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Activities including documentaries, quizzes, poster-making, and discussions
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Focus on debunking drug myths, strategies to say no to drugs, and resisting peer pressure
Kejriwal highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts, noting that 15,000 drug traffickers have been arrested, their properties seized, and over 1000 kg of heroin recovered. He emphasized that the government has demolished properties built through illicit drug trade and jailed notorious drug lords, showcasing Punjab’s commitment to an honest administration.
He condemned political parties for supporting a major drug trafficker, exposing their complicity in Punjab’s drug crisis. Kejriwal noted that the ‘Anti-Drug Yatra’ has reached over 10,000 villages and wards, yielding significant results. He urged youth to resist peer pressure and join the fight against drugs, emphasizing ongoing rehabilitation efforts to help victims reintegrate into society with dignity.
Kejriwal expressed regret that no state or country is immune to the drug menace, particularly due to Punjab’s proximity to the international border, which makes it a transit route for traffickers. He expressed hope that other states would adopt Punjab’s awareness model and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers, labeling them as society’s true enemies.
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Chief Minister’s Address
Chief Minister Mann highlighted the transformation of government schools under his administration, noting that students are now shifting from private to government institutions, reflecting public trust. He lamented that Punjab’s drug crisis, fueled by past governments, necessitated such programs. Mann held previous administrations responsible for the drug epidemic, accusing them of patronizing the trade and ruining youth.
Since taking office, the government has established de-addiction centers to ensure treatment and rehabilitation for drug victims, alongside skill development programs to help them lead dignified lives. Mann noted that the anti-drug campaign, ongoing for the last 150 days, has turned into a people’s movement, with hundreds of panchayats passing resolutions against supporting drug traffickers.
The curriculum will educate students on drug symptoms and risks, as initial use often marks the beginning of lifelong addiction. Mann criticized past leaders for amassing wealth through illegal means, including supplying drugs in government vehicles, and protecting traffickers due to close ties. He specifically called out the support for drug lord Majithia by Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP, despite their earlier promises to hold him accountable.
Mann vowed to continue the legal battle against Majithia until exemplary punishment is secured. He also criticized Sukhbir Badal for prioritizing family interests over Punjab’s welfare, noting that past governments neglected the state’s needs despite repeated electoral mandates.
To protect youth, the government is building sports grounds and gyms in every village and has launched a WhatsApp number (97791-00200) for anonymous reporting of drug trafficking, ensuring informant confidentiality. Rehabilitation efforts continue to help victims rebuild their lives.
Other Speakers
AAP Senior Leader Manish Sisodia emphasized Punjab’s leadership in various fields, stating that its schoolchildren will now lead the nation in saying no to drugs. He announced plans to extend the curriculum to private schools and highlighted the strengthened infrastructure of Punjab’s government schools, positioning the state as a national leader in education. Sisodia warned drug traffickers to cease their activities or face severe consequences.
Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains praised the revolutionary changes in Punjab’s education sector under the current government. He noted that during the Akali-BJP regime, the drug epidemic spread unchecked, but the AAP government’s large-scale actions and this curriculum will help eradicate the menace entirely.
