From Addiction to Entrepreneurship: Punjab Govt and Sun Foundation Unite for Drug Recovery Initiative

In a crucial effort to boost the battle against drug addiction, the Punjab government has partnered with the Sun Foundation to provide skill development and rehabilitation programs throughout the state’s 19 Government Drug Rehabilitation Centres. This initiative is part of the broader mission “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs), envisioned by Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and being led on-ground by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

War on Drugs – Punjab Government’s Big Campaign!

Under the “War on Drugs” campaign, an upgraded and renovated drug de-addiction centre was inaugurated in Mohali today, which is a big hope for those who have given up drugs.

This war is against drugs – and only Punjab will win!… pic.twitter.com/7XKF4HbQ2c

— Dr Balbir Singh (@AAPbalbir) May 1, 2025

MP Sahney Commits Rs 1 Crore to Rehabilitation Fund

At the MoU signing ceremony held at Punjab Bhawan, Member of Parliament Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, who is also the Chairman of the Sun Foundation, announced a Rs 1 crore contribution from his MPLAD funds towards enhancing infrastructure and resources at the drug rehabilitation centres. In addition, the Sun Foundation will provide skilled manpower and bear the maintenance costs of newly established skill training centres within the rehab facilities.

With grace of Almighty, i was blessed to announce Rs. 1 Crore for upgrading all 19 Drug Rehab Centres in Punjab. Our NGO, Sun Foundation, is already running Drug Rehab Centres in Amritsar, Jalandhar & Mohali.@AAPbalbir Health Minister Punjab inaugurated the Drug De-Addiction… pic.twitter.com/gfqHwq4840

— Vikramjit Singh MP (@vikramsahney) May 1, 2025

From Patients to Entrepreneurs: A New Vision for Recovery

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh praised the collaboration as a much-needed step in Punjab’s anti-drug campaign. He highlighted the state’s strategic shift from punitive measures to a healthcare-focused approach, emphasizing decriminalization of drug users and treating them as patients rather than offenders.

Addressing the high relapse rate of 80–90%, Dr. Singh stressed the importance of skill development and recreational engagement to help rehabilitated individuals reintegrate into society.”My vision is to transform drug addicts into entrepreneurs through targeted skill development,” he stated, describing the “positive domino effect” of rehabilitation and empowerment.

Comprehensive Support: Training, Recreation, and Counselling

The initiative includes training in organic farming, plumbing, electrical work, mobile repair, and cookery, equipping recovering individuals with practical skills and employment opportunities post-rehabilitation.

To support mental well-being and personal growth, the programme will include recreational and spiritual activities, such as yoga, music, Gurbani, motivational sessions, and access to television-equipped recreation rooms.

Sun Foundation’s Expanded Role

MP Vikramjeet Singh Sahney countered the narrative of Punjab being singularly affected by drug problems, pointing out that the issue is widespread across states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. He reaffirmed his commitment to Punjab’s recovery, announcing that the Sun Foundation will manage all 19 rehab centres. The foundation already has established successful facilities in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali.

Sahney emphasized, “We want to replace addiction with aspiration,” promising continued efforts in creating holistic recovery environments.

Leaders and Officials in Attendance

Present at the event were Secretary Health and Family Welfare and Nodal Officer for the Anti-Drug Campaign Basant Garg, Director Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Assistant Director Dr. Sandeep Bhola, and other senior health officials, all of whom echoed the importance of integrating healthcare, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment into the anti-drug strategy.