Mann Government and Ananya Birla Foundation Join Forces to Bolster Fight Against Drugs
Chandigarh, June 26
On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, took a historic step to intensify its fight against drugs by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit. The MoU was signed between the Government of Punjab, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Amritsar, and the Ananya Birla Foundation.
Key Highlights
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann described the initiative as a pivotal part of the state’s ongoing “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign. He emphasized that the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit is a groundbreaking step to combat the drug menace in Punjab. “Disrupting the drug supply chain is critical, but rehabilitating affected individuals is equally important,” Mann stated, highlighting the government’s focus on prevention and rehabilitation.
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Objectives of the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit
- Comprehensive Support: The Unit will enhance the capacity of medical officers, psychologists, police personnel, and frontline health workers by providing technical assistance to the anti-drug campaign.
- Rehabilitation Strategies: It will develop effective strategies to address rehabilitation challenges, ensure smooth operation of Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics, and strengthen community outreach efforts.
- Data-Driven Policies: The Centralized Intelligence Unit will provide concrete data on de-addiction, rehabilitation, and OOAT patients, enabling informed policy design and implementation.
- Collaborative Expertise: Experts from institutions such as AIIMS’ National Drug Treatment Centre, IIT Ropar, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, and PGI Chandigarh will provide timely support to the Unit.
- Hub and Spoke Model: The program will operate on a centralized technical unit model, with five medical colleges in Patiala, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Faridkot, and Mohali serving as Cluster Resource Centres.
Rehabilitation and Support Initiatives
Mann outlined the government’s efforts to support individuals overcoming addiction:
- Establishing rehabilitation centers equipped with medical care, education, and employment opportunities to prevent relapse.
- Implementing a comprehensive psychosocial care model in the second phase of the anti-drug campaign through the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit.
Collaborative Efforts
The Unit will work in collaboration with:
- Anti-Narcotics Task Force
- Punjab Police
- Health Department
- Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Departments
- Organizations and academic institutions specializing in mental health, rehabilitation, and data science
The Ananya Birla Foundation will provide technical capabilities and resources to support the Unit’s operations.
Chief Minister’s Commitment
Mann reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate drugs and corruption, emphasizing that public support is crucial for the campaign’s success. “This is a fight for future generations. We need the active cooperation of the people to make Punjab a progressive, drug-free state,” he urged. He highlighted that the war against drugs has evolved into a mass movement, with village panchayats passing resolutions to support the cause.
Action Against Drug Traffickers
The Chief Minister vowed to continue the bulldozer drive to demolish properties of drug smugglers, stating that all actions are lawful and aimed at delivering a fatal blow to the drug trade. “The supply chain has been disrupted, major traffickers have been arrested, victims are being rehabilitated, and properties of smugglers are being confiscated or destroyed,” Mann said. He assured that these efforts would be intensified until the drug menace is completely eradicated.
Addressing the Drug Scourge
Mann noted that it took over two years to devise a comprehensive strategy to tackle the drug problem, which he described as a “blot on Punjab’s face.” The government’s multi-pronged approach includes:
- Disrupting the drug supply chain
- Arresting major traffickers
- Rehabilitating victims
- Confiscating and demolishing properties of drug smugglers
The Chief Minister called for public cooperation, stating, “This is a moral duty for everyone to support, as it’s a fight for our children’s future.”
Gratitude to Ananya Birla Foundation
Mann expressed gratitude to Ananya Birla, founder of the Ananya Birla Foundation, for partnering with the Punjab government in this noble cause. He lauded the foundation’s support in strengthening the technical and resource capabilities of the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit.
