Under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to make the state drug-free, Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today chaired a district-level review meeting at the Punjab Urdu Academy in Malerkotla.
The meeting was attended by the members of the Village Defence Committees (VDCs), block coordinators and officials from the civil and police administration. Speaking on the occasion, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab Government is fully committed to eradicating the scourge of drugs from society.
He said that the fight against drugs is collective responsibility of every section of society. He called upon VDCs, panchayats, youth, parents and social organizations to play an active role in the campaign. Sh. Goyal stated that the government is taking action against drugs abuse on multiple fronts through the formation of VDCs, establishment of de-addiction centres and deployment of anti-drug teams.
He added that special attention is being given to developing sports facilities, stadiums and libraries in villages to channelize the energy of young people in a positive direction. A healthy, disciplined and empowered youth, he said, is the true foundation of Punjab’s progress.
He made it clear that there is no place in Punjab for anti-social elements involved in drug trafficking and such individuals will face strict legal action. He directed police officials to maintain regular coordination with the members of VDCs and ensure prompt and effective action whenever information related to drugs is received.
Malerkotla MLA Dr. Jameel-Ur-Rehman said that public cooperation is essential to curb drug abuse and anti-social activities. Amargarh MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra stated that all sections of society must work together to achieve a drug-free Punjab. Deputy Commissioner Viraj S. Tirke said that the district administration is providing full support to VDCs and has instructed all concerned departments to work diligently to strengthen anti-drug efforts.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurmeet Singh urged citizens to report drug trafficking or any suspicious activities through the Punjab Government’s anti-drug helpline and WhatsApp chatbot number 97791-00200. He assured the public that the district police will continue taking strict action against drug traffickers and criminal elements.
Among those present at the meeting were Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajdeep Singh Brar, SDM Malerkotla Kanu Garg, SDM Ahmedgarh Rajesh Kumar, SP Gursharanjit Singh, Assistant Commissioner Mandeep Kaur, DSP Manavjit Singh, Sarpanch Gurmukh Singh, District In-charge of the Anti-Drug Front Nisar Ahmad, Constituency Coordinator of the Drug De-addiction Committee Singara Singh, Hajj Committee Chairman Muhammad Hashim, District Council Member Dr. Haripal Singh and Anti-Drug Coordinator Gurpreet Singh Bittu Banbhora along with a large number of VDC members and officials from various departments.