DW BUREAU / Arniwala (Fazilka)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP's national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday unveiled the anti-drug curriculum to be introduced in schools under 'War Against Drugs' with an aim to sensitise eight lakh students.

Speaking on the occasion, Kejriwal said, "This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the battle against drugs from the border district of Punjab". He said 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. Kejriwal said that through this syllabus, eight lakh students will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances.

The former Delhi chief minister said this anti-drug programme will involve 3,658 schools, and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students. He said the curriculum will include 35-minute sessions, to be conducted fortnightly over 27 weeks and will include documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. These sessions will focus on major themes such as busting myths about drugs, strategies to say no to drugs, and resisting peer pressure.

He said the 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 kg of heroin has been recovered. Kejriwal said properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. The most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind bars by an honest government in the state.

The National Convener of AAP said that ironically all the political parties have come in the support of this drug lord which has exposed their ugly face. He said that these political parties have remained mum on the plight of the state due to drugs but are supporting the kingpin of drugs. Arvind Kejriwal said that Nasha Virodhi Yatra has reached more than 10,000 villages and wards of the state adding that the desired results are coming.

The National Convener of AAP said that it is the responsibility of every youth to support this unique and noble initiative of the state government. He said that the youth should resist the peer pressure of tasting the drugs for the first time as it can be fatal for them. Arvind Kejriwal said that it is the high time that everyone should come forward and join the crusade against drugs adding that efforts are also being made for the rehabilitation of individuals who have quit drug use, so they can stand on their feet again and lead lives of dignity and respect.

The National Convener of AAP said that it is unfortunate that no state or country has remained untouched by the menace of drugs. He envisioned that this path breaking initiative will be replicated in other states too for wiping out the menace of drugs.

Arvind Kejriwal said that Punjab's misfortune lies in its geographical location along an international border, which made it a drug route for smugglers.

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.

The Chief Minister said that the state government doesn't do vote-bank politics adding that School children don't even vote but still, we want to make them aware against this curse.

(editor@dailyworld.in)