In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at saving young generation to fall prey to drugs, Punjab Police have collaborated with Punjabi University Patiala and Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) to introduce a comprehensive 10-hour anti-drug awareness course in schools and the 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 Sanjiv Puri and Director EMRC (Patiala) Daljeet Ami in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here.
DGP Yadav said this strategic partnership, part of state’s broader anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, will drive a structured drug awareness program to safeguard the youth and communities.
He said the 10-hour 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, adding upon completion, participants will receive a certificate, recognising their commitment to staying drug-free.
Sharing more details, ADGP Nilabh Kishore said 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, adding that the content will be created in English as well as in Punjabi.
The ADGP said 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.