With the objective of further strengthening the Punjab Government's “War Against Drugs” campaign, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora today chaired a review meeting at the auditorium of Shaheed Udham Singh College with village Sarpanches, Panches and representatives of Village-Level Defence Committees from the Sunam Assembly constituency. During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the anti-drug initiatives being undertaken at the village level and encouraged the participants to actively combat this social menace.
He said that while the Punjab Government is taking stringent measures to break the supply chain of drugs, every section of society must also play its part in reducing the demand for drugs. Aman Arora stated that the Punjab Government has been implementing strict and effective measures to eliminate drug abuse.
Under the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh" campaign, a large number of drug traffickers have been arrested and sent to jail. Simultaneously, extensive action has been taken against properties illegally acquired through drug trafficking. He emphasized that no person involved in the drug trade is being spared and that the government is working with unwavering commitment to make Punjab drug-free.
He further said that drug addiction affects not only individuals but also their families and society at large. Therefore, elected village representatives, youth, social organizations and Village-Level Defence Committees should work in close coordination to intensify public awareness campaigns against drug abuse.
He stressed that this fight is not the government's responsibility alone but a collective responsibility of society, and that the campaign can succeed only with active public participation. Aman Arora appealed to Sarpanches, Panches and Village-Level Defence Committees to make special efforts to engage young people in sports, education and other constructive activities.
He further urged them to immediately share any information regarding the sale or trafficking of drugs with the police and the administration so that strict action can be taken against those involved. He also emphasized that individuals struggling with drug addiction should not be ostracized but should instead be supported through treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration into mainstream society.
The Punjab Government, he said, is providing every possible assistance to affected individuals through de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. The Cabinet Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to realizing the vision of a drug-free Punjab.
He added that the goal of eliminating drug abuse cannot be fully achieved unless every section of society actively participates in the campaign. Therefore, every citizen must contribute to this mission and fulfill their responsibility towards society.
Responding to a media query regarding the fee structure of private schools, the Cabinet Minister said that education is the fundamental right of every child and that exploitation in the name of education would not be tolerated. During the meeting, Sarpanches, Panches and members of Village-Level Defence Committees shared details of the anti-drug activities being undertaken in their respective villages and offered suggestions for making the campaign more effective.
Under the leadership of Sandeep Singh Dugga, District Coordinator of the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh" campaign, feedback was also sought from the public regarding the impact of the initiative. Participants were encouraged to report any instances of drug sale or trafficking in their areas.
It was informed that a similar review meeting would be held later this month under the leadership of the Chief Minister Bhagwat Singh Mann. Sandeep Dugga assured the gathering that he would work in close coordination with village Sarpanches, Panches and Village-Level Defence Committees to strengthen efforts aimed at eradicating drugs.
Among those present were SDM Sunam Gagandeep Singh, DSP Harvinder Singh, EO Bal Krishan, Constituency Coordinator Birbal Singh Cheema, Constituency Vice Coordinators Shashi Kumar and Manpreet Sheron, officials from various departments, village Sarpanches and Panches, representatives of Village-Level Defence Committees and newly elected councillors. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Mani Sarao.