‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Sub-Committee Approves 200 Counselors, Private Psychiatrists, and 1000 Bed Upgrades
Chandigarh, June 9,
The Cabinet Sub-Committee on ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) made significant strides on Monday to bolster treatment facilities for drug addicts, driven by the campaign’s success in disrupting drug supply chains and a surge in treatment seekers.
Chaired by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Cheema, the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Dr. Balbir Singh, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary Finance Krishan Kumar, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, and Secretary Expenditure VN Zade. The focus was on addressing the rising demand for de-addiction services by enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
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With a notable increase in drug addicts seeking help at government centers, the Sub-Committee approved the immediate hiring of 200 psychologists on a six-month temporary basis, with the Health Department tasked to arrange permanent recruitment soon. Additionally, psychiatrists will be empanelled district-wise as needed, paid Rs. 3000 for two hours daily (Rs. 1500 per hour), to support addiction recovery. The Health Department has been directed to submit a detailed staffing proposal within a week.
Post-meeting, Finance Minister Cheema highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including adding 1000 beds to government hospitals and de-addiction centers. If needed, private nursing institutes and centers will provide an extra 1000 beds, with costs covered by the government.
Cheema also updated on the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign’s progress from March 1 to June 8, reporting 9,580 NDPS cases, 16,348 arrests, and strict action against traffickers, including demolishing 118 properties. Seizures included 622 kg of heroin, 14,976 kg of poppy husk, 252 kg of opium, 264 kg of ganja, and 26,49,847 narcotic pills.
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He described the campaign as a people’s movement, with citizens reporting traffickers and addicts seeking treatment, crediting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership for a drug-free Punjab. Addressing opposition skepticism, Cheema countered that drugs took hold during Akali-BJP and Congress regimes, urging their support instead of divisive politics.
The hour-and-a-half meeting reviewed campaign progress and outlined future plans, said Cheema.
