Punjab schools to run year-long anti-drug drive; 21,000 plus teachers trained to spot early warning signs
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 21, 2026: Punjab schools will undertake a year-long series of anti-drug awareness activities under the Bhagwant Mann government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, with a focus on students, parents, teachers and the wider community.
As per the activity calendar issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), schools have been directed to conduct structured awareness programmes throughout the academic year to educate students about the risks and consequences of drug abuse and encourage healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
The campaign will begin with anti-drug poster-making activities in August, while September will focus on parental engagement. Schools will use Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) to sensitise parents about the risks associated with narcotic substances and the importance of recognising warning signs and seeking timely intervention.
In October, schools will organise poetry-writing and quiz competitions around the theme of drug prevention. From November to February, community members will be invited to share their experiences, while schools will organise anti-drug awareness workshops and interactive sessions.
Students will also take an anti-drug pledge during morning assemblies, with schools encouraged to use creative and interactive methods rather than relying solely on conventional lectures.
Anti-drug clubs and anonymous tip-off boxes
Schools have been directed to establish drug-free clubs, with teachers, headmasters and non-teaching staff nominated as members. The clubs will promote awareness about substance abuse, healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making.
Schools have also been encouraged to install anonymous tip-off boxes through which students can report suspected drug abuse or related concerns without revealing their identity.
A video-based anti-drug curriculum will also be used to familiarise students with the risks and consequences of substance abuse.
Over 21,000 teachers to receive training
A key component of the campaign is strengthening the ability of school staff to identify problems at an early stage. More than 21,000 teachers are being equipped with practical skills to identify early signs of mental health concerns and drug abuse among students and respond in time.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that schools can play a preventive and early-intervention role rather than limiting their response to awareness programmes.
500-metre drug-free zone around schools
The government has also directed schools to maintain a 500-metre drug-free zone around school premises and periodically report compliance.
School heads and mentors will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the activities, maintaining records and documenting programmes, including through photographs.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the fight against drugs must begin in classrooms, stressing that education and prevention were key tools in combating substance abuse.
“The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms. Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war on drugs,” Bains said, adding that protecting young minds through awareness, values and discipline was essential to addressing the drug menace.
The year-long programme forms part of Punjab’s broader ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign and seeks to build a sustained school-based prevention system by combining student participation, teacher training, educational resources, parental involvement and community engagement.