Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh :
Speaking at a public interaction in Bathinda, CM says Punjab is leading the country’s decisive fight against drugs
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday called upon party leaders, workers and cadre to intensify their efforts to transform the second phase of the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign into a people’s movement. Addressing a Lok Milni (public interaction programme) in Bathinda, he said Punjab is leading the country’s most decisive battle against drug abuse with the active support of the people.
Interacting with party leaders, workers and volunteers, the Chief Minister said the state government has launched the second phase of the campaign with the clear objective of completely eliminating the menace of drugs from Punjab. He stated that leaders of previous governments patronised the drug trade, but under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, cases have been registered against nearly 28,000 drug smugglers in the last one year, with a conviction rate of 88 percent. He added that this firm action has strengthened public trust and given new direction to the fight against drugs.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said the enthusiasm among people is proof that Punjab is very close to winning this battle. He emphasised that only a mass movement can ensure victory, not just police or administrative action. “Previous governments promoted the drug trade, but we have cracked down on it with full force,” he said, adding that the campaign aims to protect future generations from falling prey to drugs and its results will soon be visible.
The Chief Minister said the time demands large-scale, selfless and concrete action against drugs. Describing the campaign as a form of war, he said the Punjab government is committed to protecting the state’s youth, farmers, water resources and environment. He added that a comprehensive and multi-dimensional strategy has been adopted to make Punjab drug-free.
Detailing the action taken so far, Mann said the drug supply chain has been broken, major traffickers have been sent to jail, treatment and rehabilitation facilities have been ensured for drug victims, and illegal properties of drug smugglers have been demolished. He asserted that the campaign will continue relentlessly and he will not rest until Punjab is completely free from the curse of drugs. He urged party workers to actively seek public cooperation to ensure even better results in the second phase.
Highlighting governance achievements, the Chief Minister said the AAP government has taken several pro-people decisions. Canal water has reached far-flung villages for the first time, resolving long-pending irrigation issues. Canals and distributaries closed for years have been revived, and water has started flowing in some areas after 37 years.
He said farmers are now receiving electricity during the day, while 90 percent of households are getting free power, reducing the financial burden on people. More than 61,000 youths have been provided government jobs in a transparent manner, without recommendations or corruption. The closure of 17 toll plazas has resulted in daily savings of around ₹64 lakh for the people.
On healthcare, Mann said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened across the state, offering free treatment and medicines. A Chief Minister Health Scheme providing cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh will be launched soon. In education, he said 118 Schools of Eminence are being established. Students from these and other government schools have achieved excellent results, with hundreds qualifying for JEE and NEET exams, reflecting the government’s commitment to a brighter future for Punjab.