ARNIWALA (Fazilka): In a path breaking initiative Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Friday unveiled the anti-drug curriculum to be introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.
Addressing the gathering, the National Convener of AAP said that this marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s battle against drugs from the border district of Punjab. He said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus is being introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. Arvind Kejriwal said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from these classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances.
The National Convener of AAP said that this anti-drug program will involve 3, 658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students. Arvind Kejriwal said that the curriculum will include 35-minute sessions, to be conducted fortnightly over 27 weeks and will include documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. He said that these sessions will focus on major themes such as busting myths about drugs, strategies to say no to drugs, and resisting peer pressure.
The National Convener of AAP said that the state government has already launched the “War Against Drugs” campaign and under this initiative, more than 15, 000 drug traffickers have been sent to jail, properties have been seized, and over 1, 000 kilograms of heroin have been recovered. Arvind Kejriwal said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state.
The National Convener of AAP exhorted the people of Punjab to unite and pledge to make our society drug-free. He also said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers. Arvind Kejriwal said that the smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.
In his address, Chief Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government complete facelift of government schools has taken place. He said that students are leaving the private schools and joining government schools, which shows people’s trust in them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such events should not have taken place but it is unfortunate that such conditions have emerged in Punjab due to which these events have been necessitated.
The Chief Minister said that the blot of drugs have been put on the face of the state by the previous governments. He said that after assuming charge of the state it took us time to formulate a strategy adding that the state government started de-addiction centers to ensure treatment for those giving up drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is also working to skill them and enable them to live life with dignity and pride.
The Chief Minister said that crusade against drugs has been ongoing for the past 150 days and hundreds of panchayats have passed resolutions pledging that they will never support drug traffickers. He said that this war against drugs has now transformed into a mass movement adding that as a part of it the state government has introduced anti-drug education into the school syllabus. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that students will be made aware of the symptoms and dangers of drug addiction as the first use of drugs marks the beginning of a ruined life.