CHANDIGARH: In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at saving young generation to fall prey to drugs amidst the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ anti-drug campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has collaborated with Punjabi University Patiala and Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) to introduce a comprehensive 10-hour anti-drug awareness course at schools and identified drug hotspots across the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ADGP Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Nilabh Kishore, Registrar Punjabi University Prof (Dr) Sanjiv Puri and Director EMRC Patiala Daljeet Ami in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav at Punjab Police headquarters.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that this strategic partnership, part of state’s broader anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, will drive a structured drug awareness program to safeguard youth and communities.
He said that the 10-hours course, designed to be both engaging and informative, will include lectures, audio-visual content, and interactive sessions covering all aspects of drug abuse prevention.
It will be introduced in schools and identified hotspot areas across the state, targeting students and vulnerable youth, he said, while adding that upon completion, participants will receive a certificate, recognising their commitment to staying drug-free.
Sharing more details, ADGP Nilabh Kishore said that under this MoU, digital content will be developed by EMRC and Punjabi University Patiala, while, ANTF Punjab will finalise the content and appoint an editorial board to oversee the creation, development and delivery of the content.
The ANTF will further identify subject matter experts responsible for preparing the script, he said, while adding that the content will be created in English as well as in Punjabi language.
The ADGP said that the course is expected to be launched in the next academic session and will be integrated into both formal and informal education systems.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of “Anti-Drug Awareness and Prevention” as a part of curriculum will help students to internalise information about the dangers of drugs.
On this occasion, DIG ANTF SK Rampal, Prof. (Dr.) Mamta Sharma from Punjabi University and DSP ANTF Tarvinder Singh were also present.