Chandigarh, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Saturday said Punjab cannot afford to lose another generation to drugs as the BJP launched the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra, which will travel through all 117 Assembly constituencies of the state from September 19 to 30.
Citing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment’s report, Drug Abuse among Young Persons: Problems and Solutions, Sahney said parliamentary data had earlier estimated that around 66 lakh people in Punjab were affected by substance use, including 6.97 lakh children aged between 10 and 17 years.
He also referred to data reported in April 2026, citing research by PGIMER, which estimated that more than 30 lakh people in Punjab are drug users.
“Nearly seven lakh children caught in the grip of drugs is not just a statistic—it is a tragedy for Punjab’s families and a warning for our future. These are our sons, daughters and families. The fight against drugs must rise above politics and become a collective mission for Punjab,” Sahney said.
Questioning the AAP government’s repeated deadlines to eradicate drugs, Sahney said Punjab had been promised action within months but continued to face a severe drug crisis.
He cited government data showing that admissions to government de-addiction centres increased from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025. He also said enforcement agencies had reported the seizure of more than 8.7 crore tablets and capsules since 2022.
According to Sahney, seizures of crystal methamphetamine increased from 17 kg during 2017-21 to 93 kg since 2022.
“Punjab needs results, not another deadline. The numbers tell us that this crisis requires sustained action on both supply and demand, alongside rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
Sahney said the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra would take the campaign directly to communities across the state.
“This fight cannot be fought from air-conditioned offices. We will go to every doorstep, every village and every mohalla, listen to families and stand with our youth. Punjab’s young people deserve skills, jobs, dignity and a future free from drugs,” he said.
He said 19 government drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres had been adopted to support infrastructure, counselling, skill development, gyms, yoga and meditation. According to Sahney, 1,000 young people had been placed in jobs during the last year, while another 250 had been supported towards self-employment.
“A young person who has fallen into addiction needs a second chance—a skill, a job and dignity. Recovery must lead to reintegration, not relapse,” Sahney said.
Calling for stronger Centre-state coordination, Sahney proposed a joint anti-drug task force involving the BSF, Narcotics Control Bureau, central intelligence agencies and Punjab Police, backed by an integrated intelligence mechanism and clear accountability.
“The drug trade does not respect state boundaries. It operates through borders, drones, courier networks and international syndicates. No single government or agency can defeat it alone. Punjab needs the Centre and the state to work as one team,” he said.
Sahney also condemned the reported attack on Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu’s cavalcade while he was travelling to join the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra. He said the reported throwing of stones and eggs and damage to vehicles was unacceptable.
“Intimidation will not stop this movement. It only strengthens our resolve to stand with every family affected by drugs,” he said.
Sahney said Punjab’s youth must be offered opportunities, employment and dignity rather than allowing addiction to define their future.
“Punjab’s inheritance is courage, enterprise and achievement, not addiction. Nasha Mukt Punjab, Ujjwal Punjab—that is our resolve,” he said.
The Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra will continue across all 117 constituencies of the state until September 30.
FOLLOW NOW
