-Grassroots Mobilization Strengthens in Patiala Under “War against Drugs”
Patiala, May 2:
Under the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, block-level meetings of Village Defence Committees (Pinda de Pehredar) have commenced in Patiala district following the directions of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav.
Today, under the leadership of B.D.P.O. Sukhwinder Singh Tiwana from Patiala and Samana blocks, meetings were held in villages Kheri Mania, Dudhar, and Samana, involving Village Defence Committees from 200 villages to mobilize these communities under Yudh Nashian Virudh.
On this occasion, B.D.P.O. Patiala Mr. Tiwana stated that the Punjab government has formed these Village Defence Committees at the village level with the goal of completely eliminating drug use. These committees will keep a close watch on drug sellers and users, and in coordination with the district administration, will strive to make villages drug-free.
He highlighted that each committee consists of key village-level figures such as the Sarpanch, Anganwadi Worker, ASHA Worker, Panchayat Secretary, and Zaildar—individuals deeply familiar with the community and well-placed to take effective action.
During the meeting, detailed guidance was provided to these ‘Pinda de Pehredar’-titled committees regarding their responsibilities, communication with administration, sharing drug-related information, and running awareness campaigns at the grassroots level. Mr. Tiwana emphasized that if these committees can reach every household, the drug menace can be eradicated from the root.
Bahadur Singh, Sarpanch of village Dughatt, praised the government’s campaign and stated that if any drug-related activity is spotted, it is promptly reported to the administration, and efforts are made to encourage users to quit.
Gursewak Singh, a Panchayat member from Kheri Mania, said that the bold decisions taken by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have motivated villagers to participate actively in this movement. He added that his Panchayat will fully support the government and administration in this campaign.
Villagers from across the district strongly appreciated the Punjab Government’s Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign.
