Under the ongoing state-wide campaign ‘Yudh Nashiya Virudh’ launched by the Punjab Government, Cabinet Minister for Rural Development & Panchayats, Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond held a high level review meeting with senior police and administrative officials at the District Administrative Complex in Sangrur.
During the meeting, the Minister issued clear directions to authorities to thoroughly investigate the current business activities of individuals previously involved in drug-related operations. He emphasized that if anyone is found to still be linked to the illegal drug trade in any form, strict legal action must be taken without exception.
The Minister directed the Drug Controller to ensure that any violations of government-issued guidelines by individuals or establishments are met with appropriate legal action. Expressing concern over the misuse of CCTV installations in pharmacies, he pointed out that although installation of cameras is mandatory, many pharmacists either fail to comply or install them in misleading locations.
He instructed senior police and administrative officials to launch a special campaign to inspect these CCTV installations. Sond also directed local Panchayats to pass resolutions to install CCTV cameras in villages and instructed municipal councils and committees to ensure proper surveillance in urban areas to deter anti-social elements and enable quick action when required.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment to development, the Minister noted that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is witnessing record investment in development works. He stated that for the first time, a government is ensuring there is no shortage of funds for welfare schemes and infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, the Minister engaged with various social representatives and reiterated that there will be no compromise when it comes to taking strict action against wrongdoers. He underlined the government’s determination to make the anti-drug campaign a resounding success.
Sond pointed out that, unlike previous governments, the current Govt has provided over 56,000 government jobs in the last three years – a record achievement. On this occasion, Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj said that consistent awareness campaigns are being conducted across the Sangrur constituency to combat drug abuse, with continuous efforts to rehabilitate affected individuals.
Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi presented a report detailing the actions and initiatives taken in the district under the anti-drug campaign. SP Navreet Singh Virk also shared updates on police operations.
The meeting was attended by ADC Amit Bambi, ADC Sukhchain Singh Papra, and Chairpersons Dalvir Singh Dhillon, Jasvir Singh Kudni, Guninderjeet Singh Jawanda, Mahinder Singh Sidhu, Gurmel Singh Gharachon, Mukesh Juneja, along with SDMs and officers from police, health, education, and other key departments.