To tackle Punjab’s drug crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a game-changing strategy. The government will no longer limit its fight against drugs to police stations and courts but will send trained warriors into every village and neighborhood.
Through India's first-ever ‘Leadership in Mental Health Fellowship,’ Punjab will prepare 35 young professionals dedicated to rescuing people from addiction and raising awareness in society. Developed in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, this program—called the Yudh Nashe Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign—is set to be the biggest weapon in the fight against substance abuse.
This is not just a training program but a revolutionary step towards a drug-free Punjab.Punjab’s strategy is clear: the battle against drugs cannot be won by cutting supply alone; demand must be eliminated as well. For that, communities need trained people to identify addicted youth, offer counseling, and guide them towards rehabilitation.
This two-year fellowship is a strong move in that direction. Conducted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, the 35 selected fellows will receive hands-on training in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, going beyond textbooks to real-world action.
The unique aspect of this fellowship is its approach to tackle addiction at the root. Fellows will visit schools to warn children about the dangers of drugs, raise awareness among college youth, and educate women at Anganwadi centers about early identification and prevention within families.
Combining TISS's expertise with Punjab government’s grassroots reach, this initiative is a first-of-its-kind experiment in drug eradication. Working with special units like DiTSU (District Task Force on Substance Use), fellows will map drug problems district-wise and devise customized solutions. This is a bold strategy facing the problem head-on rather than hiding it.
The eligibility criteria are very clear: postgraduates in psychology or social work with at least two years of experience in drug de-addiction or mental health. The age limit is 32, ensuring energetic and dedicated young people join this mission. The most important requirement is a deep commitment to social service.
The government wants individuals who see this fight as a personal mission—not just a job but an opportunity to shape Punjab’s future. Those who take up this challenge will go down in history.The vision of the Mann government is clear: strict laws alone won’t stop drugs; society must be empowered through awareness.
In recent years, hundreds of drug traffickers have been jailed, dozens of rehab centers opened, and thousands treated for free in Punjab. But that is not enough. Now is the time for an army that goes door-to-door raising awareness. The 35 fellows will do just that, reaching the farthest corners and readying communities to fight the drug epidemic. This is a decisive step to realize the ‘Rangla Punjab’ dream.
Experts and social workers have praised this move for its courage in confronting Punjab’s drug issue, unlike other states that hide it. Experienced grassroots workers believe that if trained professionals identify addicts and provide treatment access in villages, the drug crisis can be controlled. Removing the stigma and shame around addiction is also a key goal. This initiative will bring real change to lives, not just statistics.
Interested youth can apply by December 7, 2025, at [https://tiss.ac.in/lmhp]. Selection will be fully transparent through written tests, interviews, and practical experience evaluation. Selected fellows will receive world-class training from TISS Mumbai and the chance to become leaders of Punjab’s drug-free movement. This is more than a job—it’s a purpose. The government calls on passionate youth ready to transform Punjab to join this battle.
This step shows that drug eradication is not mere sloganeering but concrete action. While other states deny their drug problems, Punjab has partnered with a national institute like TISS to create a new model. This fellowship will inspire not just Punjab but the whole country. CM Bhagwant Mann’s message is clear: drugs are not Punjab’s fate but a challenge to overcome. The fight is for every Punjabi, not just the government.
In coming years, as Punjab becomes drug-free, these fellows’ names will be etched in golden letters. The 35 young fellows trained today will save thousands of families tomorrow and lay the foundation for a healthy, prosperous Punjab. CM Bhagwant Mann’s masterstroke—arming society, not just police, to fight drugs—is the true path to a vibrant Punjab. This is more than a government plan; it’s the dawn of a new Punjab. The Yudh Nashe Virudh campaign is no longer just a slogan but a reality on the ground.