Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government has announced the formation of a five-member Cabinet committee to combat the escalating drug menace in the state. This decisive step underscores the government’s commitment to curbing drug abuse and ensuring effective law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.
Primary Responsibilities of the Cabinet Committee
The committee’s core responsibility will be to oversee and monitor the actions taken by the police and health departments in their fight against drug addiction. The committee will work closely with law enforcement agencies, health professionals, and rehabilitation centers to coordinate a comprehensive anti-drug strategy.
Committee Members and Leadership
The newly formed committee will be chaired by Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and includes:
Aman Arora, Minister for New and Renewable Energy
Dr. Balbir Singh, Health Minister
Laljit Singh Bhullar, Transport Minister
Taranpreet Sondh, Industries Minister
Additional Anti-Drug Mechanisms Already in Place
Before forming this committee, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had already established a State Steering Committee to supervise the de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts. This State Steering Committee is headed by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, with Principal Secretary Rahul Tiwari acting as its nodal officer.
Political Backdrop and Public Pressure
The formation of the Cabinet committee comes after the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced severe criticism over the widespread drug problem in Punjab during the Lok Sabha elections held last year. Critics had slammed the AAP government for the easy availability of drugs across the state, accusing the administration of failing to address the crisis effectively.
With Punjab grappling with a persistent drug crisis, this multi-layered administrative and political response aims to deliver a coordinated and effective strategy against drug addiction. By combining police action, public health programs, and rehabilitation efforts, the Punjab Government hopes to break the cycle of drug abuse and offer hope to thousands of affected families across the state.
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