Punjab launches ‘Sikhiya Kranti’ drive to combat drugs and revamp education

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with AAP Punjab in-charge and former Deputy CM and Education Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, unveiled an inaugural plaque at School of Eminence in Nawanshahr. This event marked the beginning of the 54-day Punjab Sikhiya Kranti drive. AAP emphasised a two-fold policy under Kejriwal-Mann’s vision to ensure a drug-free Punjab: combating drugs and reforming education.

The ‘Sikhiya Kranti’ project involves upgrading infrastructure in 12,000 state government schools, with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore over 54 days. The inaugural plaque, worth Rs 5.68 crore, was unveiled at the School of Eminence, bearing the names of both CM Mann and Sisodia.

Manish Sisodia stated, “The future of a drug-free Punjab lies in providing great education to children.” He highlighted the mission of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann to tackle the drug menace through a dual approach: strict action against drug smugglers and exceptional education to deter children from drugs.

CM Bhagwant Mann said, “In the past, high fees forced people to abandon their dreams of private schooling. We vowed to change this three years ago.” He credited Delhi’s educational reforms as an inspiration, noting that Punjab has benefited from Delhi’s experience and now boasts state-of-the-art schools with modern facilities. Teachers are receiving training in Singapore, Finland, and IIM Ahmedabad.

Mann emphasised the dual focus of their efforts: combating drugs and driving educational reform. “We are taking strict action against drug smugglers and peddlers, and our educational revolution aims to provide the best possible education to our children,” he added.

Jalandhar