CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s Social Security, Women & Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, on Friday said that the state government is executing its biggest anti-drug campaign yet, working in mission mode to eliminate drug abuse from its roots. She noted that the government’s strengthened model — combining awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation — is giving new momentum to the fight for a drug-free Punjab.
Chairing a review meeting at Punjab Bhawan, Dr. Kaur reiterated that strict action is being taken against drug trafficking under the state’s Zero Tolerance policy. She called for seamless coordination among the Health, Education, Police, District Administration and Public Relations departments to ensure the effective execution of the anti-drug action plan.
Officials informed the meeting that over 800 awareness programmes were held across 23 districts in 2024–25, reaching 7.5 lakh people — a response that underscores strong public support for the government’s efforts. Dr. Kaur said that a dedicated support framework for families affected by drug abuse is being strengthened, focusing on counselling, skill training, rehabilitation and social reintegration.
The State Action Plan worth ₹49.96 crore under the Drug-Free Punjab Mission for 2025–26 was approved, aiming to intensify awareness, de-addiction services and capacity building across key departments. Concluding the meeting, the Minister urged district authorities to ensure timely and effective on-ground implementation, declaring that achieving a drug-free Punjab is “a shared responsibility.
