CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today chaired the meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' (War Against Drugs) and reiterated to wipe out drugs from Punjab.
Cheema claied that the campaign has resulted in the registration of 9, 580 drug-related cases and the arrest of 16, 348 individuals, including several notorious smugglers and gangsters. Additionally, the government has demolished 118 properties belonging to drug traffickers, seized 622 kilograms of heroin, and recovered ₹11 crore in drug money.
He added that to address the urgent need for counseling and treatment of drug addicts, the state will hire 200 psychologists on a temporary basis for six months. Cheema said that the Health Department has been instructed to sanction regular posts for psychologists, with permanent recruitment to be completed within the next six months.
He said that tThe government has upgraded infrastructure in de-addiction centers, outpatient treatment clinics, and hospitals by adding 1, 000 beds. Moreover, partnerships with private nursing institutions and de-addiction centers will provide an additional 1, 000 beds.
Cheema further stated that the Punjab Government will establish skill development centers even within prisons. These programs will provide vocational training to recovering addicts, ensuring they have sustainable livelihoods upon reentering society.
Cheema also took a swipe at opposition leaders like Sunil Jakhar, mocking their frequent party-hopping. “Jakhar was in Congress, then BJP. Perhaps his mood will change again, and he might join the Akali Dal to become their president. After all, he has only ever been interested in titles, not public service, ” Cheema quipped.
In conclusion, Cheema thanked the people of Punjab for their overwhelming support and urged them to continue cooperating with the government in its mission to make Punjab drug-free. “The chain of drug trafficking has been broken, and soon, Punjab will rid itself of this menace entirely, ” he asserted.