Mann Government Intensifies Multi-Departmental Efforts to Realise the Vision of a Drug-Free Punjab
High-Level Meeting Finalises State Action Plans for Drug Eradication and Senior Citizens’ Welfare
Chandigarh, June 8:
Reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to build a drug-free, healthy, and progressive Punjab, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from various departments at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh.
The meeting focused on finalising the State Action Plans for 2026-27 under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC). Detailed deliberations were held on strengthening inter-departmental coordination and ensuring effective implementation of welfare and rehabilitation initiatives across the state.
Senior officials from the Departments of Home Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, School Education, Higher Education, Youth Services and Sports, Information and Public Relations, Punjab Skill Development Mission, Jails Department, and other concerned departments participated in the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is pursuing a comprehensive, result-oriented, and multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the menace of drugs from society. She emphasized that the government’s approach extends beyond strict action against drug traffickers and focuses equally on prevention, awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of affected individuals.
The Minister informed that a State Action Plan worth ₹42.95 crore has been proposed under NAPDDR for the financial year 2026-27. The proposed allocation will be utilised for drug prevention initiatives, awareness campaigns, life skills education, counselling services, de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes, capacity-building activities, and community-based interventions.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that awareness campaigns at schools, colleges, and community levels will be further strengthened to protect youth from falling prey to substance abuse. Simultaneously, sports, cultural activities, and youth engagement programmes will be promoted to channelise the energy of young people towards positive and productive pursuits.
She further highlighted that specialised capacity-building programmes will be organised for teachers, counsellors, healthcare professionals, police personnel, and other frontline workers to enhance their ability to identify and effectively address drug-related challenges.
Speaking about rehabilitation, the Cabinet Minister said that counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, skill development, and employment-oriented training opportunities for drug-affected individuals will be expanded to facilitate their dignified reintegration into society. Special attention will also be given to vulnerable groups, including women and children.
The Minister also reviewed the proposed State Action Plan under the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC). She reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a dignified, secure, and healthy life for senior citizens. Welfare services, awareness initiatives, and inter-departmental coordination for the benefit of elderly citizens will be further strengthened across the state.
During the meeting, Dr. Baljit Kaur directed all concerned departments to submit their budgetary inputs and recommendations at the earliest so that the State Action Plans can be implemented in a more effective and impactful manner.
She stressed that the fight against drugs cannot be won without active participation from every section of society and asserted that the Punjab Government is determined to transform this campaign into a people’s movement.
Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that sustained efforts are being made to eradicate drugs, strengthen the social welfare framework, and create a safe, healthy, and prosperous Punjab. She added that the ultimate objective is to keep youth away from drugs and connect them with opportunities for growth, development, and meaningful participation in nation-building.
Among those present were Secretary, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, IAS; Director, Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, IAS; Special Secretary, Mr. Keshav Hingonia, IAS; and Mission Director, Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM), Mrs. Amrita Singh, IAS, along with senior officers from various.
