Chandigarh, July 18
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday launched the Comprehensive Youth Recovery & Rehabilitation Campaign in Punjab, a state-wide initiative aimed at tackling substance abuse among youth.
The campaign was inaugurated in the presence of the Acting Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court and other High Court judges.
The spokesperson of Punjab State Legal Services Authority said the 3-month drive will be run in mission mode by all District Legal Services Authorities from July 18 to October 31, 2026.
He further said that the objective of the campaign is to support vulnerable youth through structured rehabilitation, prevent substance abuse, ensure access to treatment and facilitate long-term social reintegration so that affected individuals can lead healthy and drug-free lives.
He said that special focus will be given to incarcerated persons suffering from substance dependence to help them overcome addiction with dignity.
He said that for this initiative a three-phase plan has been designed. In Phase 1: July 18-31* – Institutional preparation, capacity building, district mapping and identification of vulnerable areas and individuals. In Phase 2: Sept 1-30 – Voluntary counseling, family counseling and referrals to government de-addiction centres by DLSAs. Confidentiality of beneficiaries will be maintained and in Phase 3: Oct 1-31- Post-treatment rehabilitation and follow-up. Recovered youth will be linked with schools, colleges, vocational training, skill development, employment exchanges and sports/yoga to prevent relapse.
The spokesperson said a multi-sectoral network involving the Health Department, Prison Department, education and skill development agencies, police, civil society and community leaders will implement the campaign.
Spokesperson added that the drive will not end in October and will be repeated every quarter for long-term support.
The Punjab State Legal Services Authority appealed to parents, teachers, youth groups and healthcare professionals to join the effort to build a drug-free Punjab.
