Mann government eradicating drug abuse
– Campaign against war on drugs is getting public support
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of Punjab is running a war-like campaign against drugs. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is repeatedly emphasizing that with collective cooperation, Punjab will be made a completely drug-free state. Under the war against drugs, the Mann government is breaking the back of drug smugglers. On one hand, FIRs are being registered against drug smugglers and they are being arrested, while on the other hand, the Mann government is running a yellow paw on the properties built by selling drugs. This campaign has been going on for about 300 days. The total number of drug smugglers arrested so far has increased to more than 41,300.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed police commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior superintendents of police to make Punjab a drug-free state. The state government has also formed a five-member cabinet subcommittee, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to oversee the ongoing war against drugs. The state government has implemented a three-pronged strategy for drug eradication—enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention. The Punjab government has launched an anti-drug curriculum in schools for students in grades 9 to 12. The aim is to educate children about the ill effects of drug abuse from an early age. Additionally, the Badi program involves forming small groups of students in schools and colleges.
These large groups raise awareness among their peers about the dangers of drug abuse and exert a positive influence. Under the War Against Drugs 2.0 campaign, committees of villagers and urban residents have been formed. These committees monitor drug-related activities and report them to the police. Several village panchayats have passed resolutions to prohibit the sale of drugs in their villages and to socially boycott drug dealers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has taken a major initiative to treat drug addicts. The number of beds in government hospitals and de-addiction centers has been increased by 1,000. Furthermore, if the existing beds in government centers are fully utilized, the services of private nursing institutions and de-addiction centers will be utilized for an additional 1,000 beds, with the Mann government bearing the cost.
Drones are being used to stop drugs coming from across the border
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann says that a massive mass movement is needed to fight against drugs, for which citizens should stand shoulder to shoulder with the police in this fight. In view of the use of drones for cross-border drug smuggling, an advanced anti-drone system has been introduced. The Cabinet has also passed a new law to strictly monitor private de-addiction centers and prevent the misuse of drugs used in rehabilitation centers. (Advertorial)