Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, January 3:
Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, on Saturday announced that Phase–II of the state-wide anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheya Virudh’ will be launched from January 5, with the objective of completely eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.
Presiding over a state-level training programme of the field staff of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department here today, the Minister said that following the successful completion of Phase–I, Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the commencement of Phase–II to intensify efforts and make Punjab a drug-free state.
Elaborating on the strategy for the second phase, the Minister said that rehabilitated youth who were once victims of drug abuse and have successfully overcome addiction will be actively involved as motivational speakers to inspire and encourage others to come forward for de-addiction.
He further informed that a door-to-door awareness campaign would be launched across villages and urban wards, with active participation of local residents, to sensitize the masses about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to foster collective responsibility against this social evil.
Reiterating the firm resolve of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Minister Sond said that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug smugglers and peddlers who have ruined young lives. He stated that thousands of drug smugglers have already been arrested during Phase–I, and those still involved will be dealt with strictly during Phase–II.
The Minister also highlighted that the training programme aimed at capacity building of field staff, including enhancing their skills for strengthening Panchayats and improving revenue generation at the grassroots level.
Senior officers of the department and a large number of field staff participated in the one-day training session.
