Teachers from 146 government and government-aided colleges across the state have been trained as dedicated nodal officers for drug prevention. (File Photo)
Under the Punjab government’s flagship campaign “War Against Drugs”, teachers from 146 government and government-aided colleges across the state have been trained as dedicated nodal officers for drug prevention, marking a step towards strengthening the fight against substance abuse within educational institutions.
The initiative, aimed at creating an anti-drug framework in colleges, was implemented by the Department of Higher Education under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). As part of this effort, one-day workshops were organised from December 18 to 20, 2025, at Shaheed Major Harminderpal Singh Government College, SAS Nagar (Mohali). Faculty members from colleges across 23 districts of Punjab participated in the training.
The sessions were conducted by clinical psychologists, mental health experts, and academic scholars from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Government Medical College, Patiala; Civil Hospital, Mohali; and the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit (DITSU).
During the workshops, the participants were sensitised to issues such as youth stress, causes and consequences of drug abuse, and scientific, empathetic methods to support students dealing with addiction or mental health challenges. Teachers were also briefed about ongoing activities under the “War Against Drugs” campaign and the proactive role colleges can play in building a drug-free Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Gunjit Kaur, officiating principal of SMHS Government College, SAS Nagar, said, “The core objective of this programme is to spread awareness about drugs, mental health and well-being, enabling people to make informed decisions. Those affected by addiction need support and inclusion, not isolation.”
Workshop trainer Dr Tavleen Kaur, clinical psychologist, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, emphasised that the fight is not only against drugs but also against social stigma, ignorance and hopelessness, adding that teachers play a crucial role by responding with understanding rather than blame.