Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee Announces Strategic Areas to Combat Drug Trafficking and Addiction
Punjab Government’s Bold Strategy to Eradicate Drug Trafficking
In a determined effort to eliminate the widespread drug trafficking crisis, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced the formation of a strategic plan as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign. The campaign, designed to eradicate the drug menace from the state, has been carefully structured with designated action areas for each member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee. This approach aims to deliver a decisive blow to drug trafficking while providing crucial support for those affected by addiction.
आज डीजीपी और कमेटी के सदस्य मीटिंग के लिए आ रहे हैं। हमने बहुत सारे फैसले लागू करने हैं।
अगर कोई भी अवैध काम करता है या ड्रग्स की तस्करी करता है तो हम उसके ख़िलाफ़ सख्त से सख्त कार्रवाई करेंगे।
–@HarpalCheemaMLA pic.twitter.com/KVZ3WU43XC
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 1, 2025
Focused Action Areas for Committee Members
During his media address following the Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting, Cheema revealed that the state has been divided into districts, each assigned to a specific committee member. These districts will be closely monitored to ensure rigorous enforcement of anti-drug policies and to strengthen surveillance on drug trafficking routes. The committee members include Cheema himself, along with Aman Arora, Tarunpreet Singh Sound, Laljeet Singh Bhullar, and Dr. Balbir Singh.
- Harpal Singh Cheema will take responsibility for districts in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ropar, Tarntaran, and Hoshiarpur, ensuring ground-level oversight and the implementation of anti-drug measures in these key regions.
- Aman Arora will oversee Ludhiana, Patiala, Kapurthala, Mohali, Amritsar, and Jalandhar, focusing on urban areas where drug trafficking has been a persistent issue.
- Tarunpreet Singh Sound will manage Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga, and Malerkotla, targeting both urban and rural communities where drug trade operations are rampant.
- Laljeet Singh Bhullar will monitor Faridkot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Mansa, and Ferozepur, focusing on the southern districts of Punjab.
The fifth committee member, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, will be responsible for overseeing drug de-addiction activities across the state, ensuring that those suffering from addiction receive proper treatment and rehabilitation services.
A Comprehensive Strategy for Drug De-Addiction
Cheema’s announcement emphasized that the state’s campaign against drug trafficking would not only focus on disrupting the supply chain but also on offering essential support for those battling addiction. He called on the families of drug addicts to take immediate action by admitting their loved ones to government-run drug de-addiction facilities.
“This decisive war against drugs is not only about breaking the supply line of drugs but also ensuring that those addicted can recover and reintegrate into society,” said Cheema. He urged families to make use of Punjab’s robust network of de-addiction centers and Opioid substitution Treatment (OOAT) clinics to support the recovery of their family members.
Clear Instructions from Punjab Government Leadership
The campaign is backed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who have emphasized the need for a strong and unified approach to tackle drug trafficking and addiction in Punjab. Cheema reinforced that these leaders had set clear directives for the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, making it the state government’s top priority.
“We have a clear mandate to deliver a final blow to the drug trafficking menace that has affected Punjab for years,” said Cheema. “The youth of Punjab deserve a future free from the shackles of drug abuse, and we are committed to ensuring their well-being.”
Collective Effort to Combat Drug Menace
In addition to the strategic planning and designated monitoring of districts, Cheema stressed the importance of public participation in the fight against drugs. He acknowledged that the government alone cannot solve the problem and that it is the collective responsibility of every citizen to help rid the state of drugs.
He appealed directly to the people of Punjab, asking for their support and cooperation in this crucial battle. “The efforts of the government and the public must go hand in hand. Only together can we create a drug-free Punjab and secure a healthier, brighter future for the next generation,” he emphasized.
Ensuring Long-Term Success Through Prevention and Rehabilitation
The Finance Minister also outlined the long-term goals of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, which will include prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for drug addicts. The government’s approach seeks to ensure that individuals who fall victim to drug abuse can recover fully, with adequate support systems in place to help them reintegrate into society.
“We will not rest until we have eliminated this threat from our state,” Cheema stated, highlighting that the mission was not just about curbing the supply of drugs but also about addressing the root causes of addiction.
Conclusion: A Unified Fight Against Drug Trafficking
The battle against drug trafficking in Punjab is intensifying under the leadership of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and his Cabinet colleagues. With a clear plan in place to monitor and disrupt drug trafficking while providing care for drug users, the Punjab government is stepping up its efforts to eliminate the drug menace once and for all.
The Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign represents a collective fight—one that will require the support of families, local communities, and state officials working together to rid Punjab of this devastating issue.