Chandigarh, November 12, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today moved The Prevention of Drug Abuse Among Children through School Awareness and Education Bill, 2024 to prevent drug abuse among children by mandating awareness programs in schools, ensuring early education on the risks associated with drug misuse and promoting a drug-free environment for the health and welfare of future generations.
The private member Bill moved in parliament seeks to address the rising concern of drug misuse among children and young adults. While moving the Bill, Mrs Harsimrat Badal said by mandating preventive education within schools the Bill aims to build awareness from an early age, enabling children to recognize the risks of substance abuse, avoid misuse, and make informed choices.
The Bill said its objective is to mandate the inclusion of preventive drug education as part of the curriculum in all educational institutions. She said this should include educating children about the health, legal, and social consequences of drug misuse and providing guidance to teachers and parents to identify signs of potential drug abuse.
The Bathinda MP advocated the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and State Education Boards should introduce preventive drug education in schools as part of an extra-curricular activity or as part of health education programs.
She said the programme should include age appropriate lessons focusing on the physical and mental health effects of substances as well as education on legal penalties and social issues associated with drug use. She said the programme should also encourage children to develop resilience, make informed choices, and avoid peer pressure.
Mrs Badal also simultaneously advocated that teachers should receive training to effectively convey the risks associated with drug abuse to students as well as identify early signs of potential drug misuse. She said a dedicated training program may also be developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Mrs Badal said the Ministry of Education should work in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to develop and distribute educational materials and conduct periodic assessments to monitor the program’s effectiveness.
She said a monitoring committee should be established at the district level including members from educational institutions, law enforcement, and public health departments, to oversee implementation. Institutions failing to comply with the provisions of this Act may face administrative penalties, including fines or loss of accreditation.
She also advocated that misuse of substances like balms, inhalants, and cough syrups should be treated under existing legal provisions, with particular penalties for offenses involving minors. EOM
 leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today moved The Prevention of Drug Abuse Among Children through School Awareness and Education Bill, 2024 to prevent drug abuse among children by mandating awareness programs in schools, ensuring early education on the risks associated with drug misuse and promoting a drug-free environment for the health and welfare of future generations.){kind=link}