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Key Points

Punjab is pioneering India's first evidence-based anti-drug curriculum in schools, targeting over 8 lakh students. The program, developed with Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee’s team, uses interactive methods to combat addiction myths. Trials in Amritsar and Tarn Taran showed significant improvements in student awareness. AAP leaders Kejriwal and Mann will launch the initiative as part of Punjab’s broader anti-drug campaign.

Key Points: Punjab Launches India's First Anti-Drug School Curriculum with AAP Leaders

  • Punjab rolls out India's first anti-drug curriculum for 8 lakh students
  • Developed with Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee's J-PAL
  • Interactive sessions target peer pressure and myths
  • Trials showed 90% awareness on drug addiction risks
2 min read

Punjab becomes first state to launch evidence-based Anti-Drug curriculum

Punjab becomes the first state to introduce an evidence-based anti-drug curriculum for schools, backed by Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee's research.

"The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms, not just in police stations. – Harjot Singh Bains"

By Anamika Tiwari, Chandigarh, July 31

Punjab is set to take a new step in its fight against drugs by launching India's first evidence-based anti-drug curriculum for school students.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will inaugurate the programme on August 1 in Arniwala, Fazilka, as part of the third phase of the state's "Yudh Nashian De Virudh" campaign.

School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the curriculum will cover around 8 lakh students from Classes 9 to 12 in 3,658 schools. More than 6,500 trained teachers will deliver the programme.

The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Nobel Laureate Prof. Abhijit Banerjee's J-PAL South Asia and leading behavioural scientists. It aims to equip students with the skills to avoid drug use and make informed decisions.

The 27-week programme consists of 35-minute interactive sessions held every two weeks. It uses documentaries, quizzes, posters, and group activities to bust myths, address peer pressure, and promote better decision-making strategies.

Randomised trials conducted in 78 government schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran with 9,600 students showed a strong impact. Ninety per cent of students understood that even trying drugs like "chitta" once could lead to addiction, compared to 69 per cent in the control group. The belief that addiction can be overcome with willpower alone dropped from 50 per cent to 20 per cent.

Bains said this marked a shift in approach, stating, "The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms, not just in police stations."

He added that more than 23,000 drug smugglers have been arrested so far, over 1,000 kg of heroin has been seized, and properties of offenders have been confiscated, highlighting the government's commitment to protect Punjab's youth from drug abuse.

Punjab has become the first Indian state to roll out an anti-drug curriculum at this scale, starting from August 1. The programme focuses on prevention through interactive classroom learning and behavioural change.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a teacher from Ludhiana, I'm thrilled to see this scientific approach. The interactive methods will definitely work better than just lectures. But implementation is key - hope they provide proper training to all teachers involved.
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Aman W
Good initiative but will it reach the most vulnerable kids? Many drop out after 8th standard in rural areas. Government should also focus on vocational training centers and colleges.
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Shreya B
The statistics showing change in students' understanding are impressive! 90% realizing the danger of even trying drugs once is a big win. Hope they expand this to private schools too.
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Varun X
While the curriculum is good, the government must also crack down harder on drug suppliers. 23,000 arrests is good but we need stricter punishment. My cousin lost his life to addiction last year 😔
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Nisha Z
Great to see collaboration with Prof. Banerjee's team! Evidence-based policies are the need of the hour. Hope they monitor results carefully and make improvements based on feedback from students and teachers.
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Karan T
The focus on behavioral change is crucial. Just telling kids "drugs are bad" doesn't work. They need to understand peer pressure and decision-making. This could be a model for other social issues too!

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