CM Chairs High-Level Meeting to Launch Decisive War Against Drugs
• No Subsidies for Drug Peddlers and Their Families Under Government Schemes
• Multi-Pronged Strategy Finalized to Combat Drug Menace
• Special Courts to Be Established for Speedy Trials of Drug Smugglers
• School Curriculum to Include Anti-Drug Awareness Programs
Chandigarh, February 28
In a bold move to eradicate the drug menace, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has set a three-month deadline to make Punjab a drug-free state. Chairing a high-level meeting with Commissioners of Police (CPs), Deputy Commissioners (DCs), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), the Chief Minister announced a comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
The meeting, attended by Cabinet Ministers Harpal Cheema, Aman Arora, Dr. Balbir Singh, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, and Laljit Singh Bhullar, focused on a multi-pronged approach to tackle the issue. Key decisions included denying subsidies to drug peddlers and their families under various government schemes, confiscating and demolishing properties of drug smugglers, and setting up special courts for speedy trials.
Zero Tolerance Policy Against Drugs
Chief Minister Mann emphasized the state government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, calling it a historic moment in Punjab’s fight against the menace. He urged police and civil administration officials to work in tandem to achieve the goal of a drug-free Punjab within three months.
“Punjab Police has a glorious history of tackling challenging law-and-order situations. I am confident that with public support, we will eradicate this menace,” said Mann. He also announced the establishment of special courts to ensure swift trials and convictions in drug-related cases.
Key Measures Announced:
- Snapping Drug Supply Lines: Police have been directed to identify drug hotspots, crack down on peddlers, and disrupt supply chains.
- Property Confiscation and Demolition: Illegal properties of drug smugglers will be seized and demolished. For instance, in Narangwal village, a drug smuggler’s property was razed, and a library will be constructed in its place to promote knowledge and awareness.
- Mass Movement Against Drugs: DCs have been tasked with transforming the anti-drug campaign into a mass movement, with district-level initiatives launched on a war footing.
- School Curriculum Reforms: Anti-drug awareness programs will be introduced in schools to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse.
- Strict Action Against Non-Performers: Monthly evaluations of SSPs will be conducted to assess progress in anti-drug efforts, with accountability enforced for non-performance.
Support for Law Enforcement
The Chief Minister assured full financial and administrative support to the police and civil administration. He stressed the importance of preventive measures in schools and colleges to protect youth from falling prey to drugs.
“The war against drugs must be fought at the micro level with meticulous planning and execution. This is an extraordinary battle, and we need out-of-the-box solutions,” said Mann.
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Additional Directives:
- Timely Legal Action: Police have been instructed to oppose bail for drug traffickers, submit challans promptly, and ensure timely chemical analysis reports in NDPS cases.
- Crackdown on Police Involvement: Strict action will be taken against police officials involved in drug consumption or promotion.
- De-Addiction and Rehabilitation: DCs have been directed to inspect all government and private de-addiction centers, ensuring adequate manpower, infrastructure, and hygiene.
- Community Outreach: Families of addicts and victims of drug overdose will receive counseling, support, and relief from the CM Relief Fund.
Mass Awareness Campaigns
The Chief Minister called for extensive public engagement through seminars, cycle rallies, human chains, sports events, and skill development programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.
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“This is not just a government initiative; it is a social movement. Every citizen must join hands to make Punjab drug-free,” Mann asserted.
With these decisive steps, the Punjab Government aims to replicate its past success in combating militancy and channel the state’s youth toward a brighter, drug-free future.
