Bathinda, April 21 : The state government, under the capable leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is receiving overwhelming public support for its campaign “War Against Drugs,” thanks to its clear intentions and transparent policies. These remarks were made by Punjab Health Minister Shri Balbir Singh during a review meeting held at the meeting hall of the local District Administrative Complex to assess the progress of the “War Against Drugs” campaign within the district.
Present on the occasion were Bathinda (Urban) MLA S. Jagroop Singh Gill, Bhucho Mandi MLA Master Jagsir Singh, Maur MLA S. Sukhbir Singh Maisarkhana, Mayor Shri Padamjit Mehta, Deputy Commissioner Shri Shaukat Ahmad Pare, District Police Chief Madam Amneet Kondal, and Chairman of the Municipal Improvement Trust S. Jatinder Singh Bhalla.
During the meeting, Health Minister Balbir Singh instructed officials to prioritize the inclusion of skill development courses, yoga classes, and sports activities in drug de-addiction centers, to help rehabilitated individuals reintegrate into mainstream society and lead better lives. He urged officials from various departments to intensify awareness activities at the school level to educate youth about the harmful effects of drugs.
Cabinet Minister Balbir Singh stated that to keep rural youth away from the curse of drugs, the Punjab government is setting up libraries, playgrounds, gyms, and parks in villages. He also directed health department officials to encourage the public to consume clean and hygienic food. Drug inspectors were instructed to closely monitor suspicious chemist shops to prevent the sale of intoxicating substances.
Speaking to the media, Health Minister Balbir Singh emphasized that leading the youth towards a brighter future and making them self-reliant is a top priority of the state government. In response to a question, he said public trust in the anti-drug campaign is growing, and the government is keeping a strict watch on drug traffickers. In another response, he shared that drone activity involving drug smuggling has reduced by 70% in border areas.
He also mentioned that energy drinks are extremely harmful to health and have been completely banned in schools across the state.
The Minister stated that drug addicts will receive free treatment from the government, but those involved in drug trafficking will face strict legal action and should be prepared to end up in jail. He added that a drug-free and healthy society will form the foundation of a prosperous Punjab.
Shri Balbir Singh noted that the drug supply chain has been disrupted, leading to an increased number of addicts seeking help at de-addiction centers. As a result, the government is increasing the number of beds in de-addiction and rehabilitation centers across the state. He further mentioned that doctors and other staff in government hospitals will be recruited soon.
Also present at the event were Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shri Ajay Arora, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Madam Kanchan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Madam Poonam Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Shri Narinder Singh, Regional Filer Officer from the Chief Minister’s Office Shri Ramanjit Singh, Councillor Sukhdeep Singh Dhillon, as well as officials and representatives from the Health Department and other departments.
Summary: Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasizes the government’s clear intentions and policies are accelerating Punjab’s anti-drug efforts, aiming for a drug-free state.