Chandigarh: In a major step to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and promote the mental wellbeing of students, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government has launched an extensive teacher awareness and capacity-building programme across 12 districts under its flagship ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign.
The initiative aims to train more than 21,850 teachers in identifying early signs of mental health concerns and substance abuse among students, while equipping them with practical skills to intervene and connect vulnerable children with appropriate support.
Programme Begins in Fazilka and Tarn Taran
The programme began last week in Fazilka and Tarn Taran, where more than 800 teachers participated in awareness and training workshops.
The initiative builds on earlier school-based sensitisation programmes conducted by the government. In January this year, training was organised for principals and headmasters of senior secondary and high schools across nine districts, with special focus on border districts vulnerable to substance abuse.
Pilot Programme in Amritsar Shows Positive Response
A pilot teacher-training programme was also conducted in Amritsar, involving more than 2,800 teachers. Over 75% of the participants reported feeling motivated to contribute towards creating a healthier school environment.
Based on the success of these initiatives, the government has now begun a phased expansion of the training programme across Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot, Mohali, Ropar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana and Patiala.
Teachers to Learn How to Identify Early Warning Signs
The government said teachers are often the first to notice changes in a student’s behaviour, emotional state or attendance. However, such signs can sometimes be mistaken for indiscipline rather than recognised as indicators of distress or substance-use vulnerability.
With concerns around anxiety, stress and substance abuse among adolescents, school-based prevention can play an important role in early identification and timely support.
The programme seeks to promote a whole-school approach to student wellbeing, building upon the earlier sensitisation of school heads.
Dr Balbir Singh: Children Need Care, Not Stigma
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said every child who falls into drug abuse is a child who could potentially have been reached earlier.
He said teachers spend significant time with students and are often able to notice changes that others may miss. The training will provide teachers with a better understanding of adolescent issues, mental health, emotional wellbeing and the risks associated with drug abuse.
Teachers will be trained to recognise early signs of distress and vulnerability, respond with compassion instead of punishment and connect students with appropriate support before the situation becomes serious.
Multiple Departments Join Hands
The programme is being implemented as a major cross-departmental initiative. The Directorate of State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is coordinating implementation in collaboration with the Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development.
The state’s Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit (DITSU) will provide implementation support, develop training materials and ensure quality assurance throughout the campaign.
District-level nodal officers have also been identified to facilitate participation of senior secondary and high school teachers.
Training to Be Conducted in Over 500 Batches
The one-day awareness-cum-capacity-building sessions will be conducted in more than 500 batches across the 12 districts in a phased manner, beginning in August 2026.
Expert resource persons will conduct the sessions using a psychosocial approach to address substance abuse and related challenges.
Teachers to Take Pledge Against Drug Abuse
To ensure that the training translates into practical action, every participating teacher will take a pledge to act as a sentry between students and drugs.
Teachers will also conduct awareness and engagement activities with students in the weeks following the training. The reach and effectiveness of the programme will be monitored through participant feedback and a structured monitoring framework.
The initiative is being supported by the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) and the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).